DAVAO CITY- Naval Task Group 80.5 on board BRP Gregorio del Pilar FF15 arrived at Sasa wharf here Thursday morning after its international engagement in Singapore.

The navy sailed to the neighboring city state to participate in the golden anniversary celebration of the Singapore Navy.

The Philippine Navy is among the 80 navy task groups from all over the world that joined the International Maritime Review and Defense Expo, which introduced them to various modernization initiatives.

"The task group was instrumental in enhancing the Philippine Navy's and, in general. our country's relationship and cooperation among other participating countries," Capt. Ramil Roberto Enriquez, commander of Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao, said in his speech.

Among those who welcomed the Philippine Navy was Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio.

She regarded the arrival as timely with President Rodrigo Duterte's declaration of martial law in Mindanao following clashes between government troops and the terrorist Maute group.

"With recent developments and the declaration of martial law, there is a need to strengthen the capacity of our Armed Forces of the Philippines and other law enforcing units,"she said.

The Philippine Navy will celebrate its 119th anniversary here on May 31, along with the commissioning of its brand new landing dock vessel, BRP Davao del Sur (LD-602).