By Priam Nepomuceno
MANILA – Naval and air units of the Philippines, Canada, and the United States are conducting the 7th Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA) in the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
In a statement Wednesday, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said the participants are demonstrating their “collective commitment to strengthen regional and international cooperation in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.”
These exercises are expected to boost the cooperation and interoperability of participating naval and air units, he noted.
“The activity will be conducted in a manner consistent with international law and with due regard for the safety of navigation, and the rights and interests of other States,” Brawner said.
He added that the 7th MMCA underscores the shared commitment to upholding the right to freedom of navigation and overflight.
This includes other lawful uses of the sea and international airspace, as well as respect for maritime rights under international laws, as reflected in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), Brawner said.
The 1st MMCA took place in April 2024, followed by the 2nd and 3rd held in June and August of the same year.
The 4th and 5th took place in September and December 2024, respectively, while the 6th MMCA transpired on Feb. 5 this year.
Meanwhile, AFP public affairs office chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad, when asked where the 7th MMCA is being held, said it is taking place in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
“(It is being held at) the NOLCOM (Northern Luzon Command) joint operational area,” he said.
Trinidad declined to give the identities of the participating assets for security reasons.
“Ongoing pa siya (the exercise is ongoing). We don’t want to compromise the assets involved,” he said.
Defense boost
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Wednesday said the near completion of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) between the Philippines and Canada will strengthen both countries’ defense cooperation.
A memorandum of understanding on defense cooperation was signed by officials of both countries on Jan. 19.
Gatchalian, in a statement, hopes that “transparency and accountability must be ensured” under the pact.
“The Department of National Defense and other relevant agencies should guarantee that the terms of the VFA align with our national interests and contribute to the continued modernization of our Armed Forces. I remain committed to supporting initiatives that safeguard our national sovereignty and protect the welfare of the Filipino people,” he said. (with a report from Leonel Abasola/PNA)
