By Priam Nepomuceno
MANILA – Naval and air assets from the Philippines, Australia, Canada, and the United States successfully conducted the 10th Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA) off the waters of Zambales from September 2 to 3, highlighting the growing security cooperation between the participating nations.
In a statement on Thursday, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said the MMCA took place in the waters off Palauig to San Antonio, Zambales, in the West Philippine Sea.
The activity featured the deployment of the Philippine Navy’s guided missile frigate BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150), supported by an anti-submarine AW-159 “Wildcat” helicopter, the Philippine Air Force’s W-3A “Sokol” search-and-rescue helicopter, and a C-208B surveillance platform; the Royal Australian Navy’s Hobart-class air warfare destroyer HMAS Brisbane (DDG-41) and P-8A “Poseidon” maritime patrol aircraft; Royal Canadian Navy’s Halifax-class frigate, the HMCS Ville de Quebéc (FFH332), and CH-148 “Cyclone”; and a United State Indo-Pacific Command’s P-8A.
“(The 10th MMCA underscores) the four nations’ strong defense partnership and shared commitment to advancing maritime security and regional stability,” the AFP added.
Key activities included a photo exercise showing the unity of participating navies, a vertical replenishment to test at-sea logistics and resupply operations, and a personnel exchange conducted via rigid-hulled inflatable boat that enabled Australian and Philippine sailors to share best practices onboard.
The activity also featured a coordinated anti-submarine warfare exercise, which enhanced detection and tracking capabilities, and concluded with a passing exercise highlighting the seamless coordination and interoperability of all participating forces.
In the same statement, AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration in light of recent multilateral efforts.
“Just days after the successful conclusion of Exercise ‘ALON’, the 10th MMCA reaffirms our collective resolve to protect our seas and uphold a rules-based international order. We will continue to build on this foundation of trust, proving that we are indeed stronger together,” Brawner said.
The ninth MMCA took place this April and involved units from the AFP, the Australian Defence Force, and the United States Indo-Pacific Command.
This maritime activity between the Philippines and its allies started in April 2024. (PNA)
