By Priam Nepomuceno

(Photo courtesy of Armed Forces of the Philippines)

MANILA – The militaries of the Philippines, United States and Japan conducted a “multilateral maritime cooperative activity” (MCA) in the West Philippine Sea on Friday.

It took place within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, the US Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) said in a statement.

The US INDOPACOM said the MCA demonstrates a collective commitment to strengthen regional and international cooperation in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

“This builds upon previous MCAs and our continuing operations together, which strengthen the interoperability of our defense/armed forces doctrines, tactics, techniques, and procedures,” it added.

It also said the MCAs are conducted in a manner that is consistent with international law and with due regard to the safety of navigation and the rights and interests of other states.

Participating units included a US Navy P-8A Poseidon from Patrol Squadron 47; the Philippine Navy’s BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS-17) and a C-90 patrol aircraft and the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force Murasame-class destroyer JS Samidare (DD-106).

“The US, along with our allies and partners, uphold the right to freedom of navigation and overflight, other lawful uses of the sea and international airspace, as well as respect to the maritime rights under international law,” the US INDOPACOM said.

The last MCA took place on Sept. 28 and involved the Philippine Navy’s BRP Antonio Luna (FF–151), BRP Emilio Jacinto (PS35), one AW-109 helicopter, and Philippine Air Force search and rescue assets, alongside the United States’ USS Howard (DDG-83) and two helicopters; Australia’s HMAS Sydney (D48), a P-8 Poseidon aircraft, and one helicopter; Japan’s JS Sazanami (DD-113); and New Zealand’s HMNZS Aotearoa (A-11).

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said Friday’s MCA, the 5th for this year, included a range of coordinated operations designed to enhance interoperability and strengthen maritime capabilities. 

Activities conducted during the exercise included a communications check to ensure seamless coordination, a Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE) and pre-sail conference to align operational objectives. 

Photo and division tactics exercises were also conducted. These drills emphasized collaborative defense strategies and reinforced the commitment of the participating forces to maintain regional security and stability. (PNA)