PH, JAPAN, US CONDUCT MULTILATERAL MARITIME COOPERATIVE ACTIVITY IN WEST PH SEA

THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force and the United States Navy, demonstrating a collective commitment to strengthen regional and international cooperation in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific,  on Friday conducted a Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA) in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

According to the AFP, the latest MMCA aims to enhance interoperability and strengthen the combined capabilities of the participating forces.

Participating units included  the Philippine Navy Jose Rizal-class guided-missile frigate BRP Jose Rizal (FF 150) and King Air C-90 aircraft, the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force Mogami-class frigate JS NOSHIRO (FFM 3), and the U.S. Navy Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Shoup (DDG 85) and a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft.

Various exercises were conducted such as communications check, rotary flight operations, maritime domain awareness/contact reporting, division tactics, personnel exchange, and photo exercises.

AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said the MMCA continuously highlights the vital improvements in our coordination, tactics, and shared maritime awareness.

He said every iteration strengthens the Philippines’ capacity to respond to maritime security challenges while reinforcing our collective ability to safeguard our national interests.

The Japanese Embassy in Manila, in a separate statement, said Tokyo’s participation reaffirms its commitment to promoting the “free and open use of the seas” with like-minded partners.

“Standing shoulder-to-shoulder, Japan, the Philippines, and the United States stand resolute in advancing the shared vision of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific, reaffirming their shared commitment to a rules-based international order that promotes peace, security, and prosperity for all nations across the region,” it said.

This 8th MMCA follows the inaugural port call of JS Noshiro at the Naval Operating Base Subic.

“The port visit and subsequent MMCA reflect Japan’s strong commitment to maritime stability and security,” the Embassy said. 

Meanwhile, the US said: “along with our allies and partners, upholds the right to freedom of navigation and overflight and other internationally lawful uses of the sea related to those freedoms. ”