Philippine Navy Flag Officer-in-Command Vice Admiral Toribio Adaci Jr. speaks during the opening ceremony of Exercise SAMA SAMA 2023, the annual bilateral exercise between the Philippine and U.S. Navy, at the Philippine Navy Headquarters, in Manila, Philippines, October 2, 2023. This year's "Sama Sama" drills are being held in the southern part of the island of Luzon, featuring naval exercises in areas such as anti-submarine warfare, air defence and search and rescue, the Philippine navy said. "With this show of force and active engagement of our allies and partners, 'Sama Sama' transcends mere military exercises," Philippine navy chief Rear Admiral Toribio Adaci said at the opening event. "It is a symbol of our enduring partnerships and our shared commitment to security and stability in the Asia-Pacific region." The West Philippine Sea refers to the portion of the South China Sea claimed by Manila.

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Persons: Toribio Adaci, Jay Ereno, Karl Thomas, Thomas, Karen Lema, Mikhail Flores, Clarence Fernandez Organizations: Philippine Navy Flag, Command, Philippine, U.S . Navy, Philippine Navy Headquarters, REUTERS, Rights, Forces, United States, Navy's, South China, Manila ., Thomson Locations: Manila, Philippines, Rights MANILA, Britain, Canada, Japan, Beijing, Scarborough, China, South China, Luzon, Philippine, Asia, Pacific, West Philippine, South, United States, Australia, France, Indonesia, New Zealand