By Priam Nepomuceno
MANILA – The Philippines, US and Canadian naval and air units successfully conducted the two-day 20th multilateral maritime cooperative activity (MMCA) over the weekend at the Sulu Sea, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced on Monday.
For this exercise, the Philippines, through the AFP, deployed the guided-missile frigate BRP Diego Silang (FFG-7), one W-3A “Sokol” search-and-rescue aircraft and one S-70i “Black Hawk”, and the Philippine Coast Guard deployed the BRP Suluan (MRRV-4406).
Canada, through the Canadian Armed Forces, deployed the guided-missile frigate HMCS Regina (FFH-334) while the United States Pacific Command sent a P-8A “Poseidon” maritime patrol aircraft for the drills.
“The activity enhanced interoperability among participating forces, strengthened maritime security, and supported information-sharing and coordination. It also contributed to a safer and more peaceful region by improving the participating forces’ shared understanding of activities at sea,” the AFP said in a news release.
The MMCA featured a series of maritime and air activities, including communications exercise, division tactics and officer of the watch, maneuver exercise, and maritime domain awareness drills.
“The successful activity underscored the Philippines’ commitment to strengthening partnerships with like-minded countries and enhancing collective capabilities in support of a secure and rules-based maritime environment,” the AFP said.
The first MMCA took place on April 7, 2024 in the West Philippine Sea and involved units from the Philippines, the US, and Australia. (PNA)
