By Priam Nepomuceno
MANILA – The Philippines’ multilateral maritime cooperative activity (MMCA) with allies such as Canada and the United States is helpful in fostering regional security, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said Thursday.
“This activity underscores the AFP’s commitment to enhancing regional stability and maritime security. These strategic partnerships strengthen our interoperability and foster a collective security in the Indo-Pacific Region,” AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said in a statement.
This came following Wednesday’s successful MMCA between naval and air units of the three countries within the Philippines exclusive economic zone.
The AFP deployed the BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS-17), Beechcraft King Air C-90 patrol aircraft and Philippine Air Force search-and-rescue assets for this exercise.
“Partner nations also contributed, with Canada deploying the HMCS Ottawa (FFH-341), while the United States was involved in the planning and pre-sail conference, as well as monitoring the activity,” AFP public affairs office chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad said.
The seventh MMCA featured a series of operational exercises focused on enhancing coordination and interoperability between the Philippines and Canada.
These exercises included communication check exercises (COMMEX), division tactics (DIVTACS), photo exercise (PHOTOEX), and expandable mobile anti-submarine training target exercise (EMATTEX).
Trinidad said the latest maritime drills reaffirmed the participating nations’ ongoing commitment to strengthen cooperation in ensuring peace and stability.
The multilateral exercise underscores the collaboration in ensuring peace, stability and security in the Indo-Pacific Region.
“It also reinforces the bonds between partner nations dedicated to mutual prosperity and the maintenance of a rules-based international order, as outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea,” Trinidad said.
The first MMCA took place in April 2024, followed by the second and third held in June and August of the same year. The fourth and fifth were held in September and December, respectively.
The sixth MMCA transpired on Feb. 5 this year.
Chinese ships detected
Trinidad, meanwhile, said three Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) ships, one oceanographic surveillance ship, and one helicopter were monitored from a distance during the activity.
The monitored PLAN and other Chinese assets did not interfere with the ongoing exercise, which proceeded as planned.
“The seventh MMCA commenced at 09:23 a.m. and culminated by 04:30 p.m. of the same day on 12 February 2025,” Trinidad said. (PNA)
