Navy forces from the Philippines, United States and five other Southeast Asian countries commenced counter-terrorism training Tuesday at the Malacca Strait, Sulu Sea and Subic Bay.

Philippine Navy Spokesman Col. Omar Tonsay said the five-day Southeast Asia Cooperation and Training will deal with surface, air and special operations units of the participating countries.

Apart from the United States and the Philippines, the other participating countries are Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore.

Tonsay said the United States will deploy its USSafeguard, a rescue and salvage ship which will be serving as the Contact of Interest. The Philippine Navy will deploy 200 personnel, four ships and an airplane. Singapore will serve as the command and control center of the military exercise.