Naval forces from four nations, including the Philippines, have concluded their two-day Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA) in the West Philippine Sea, specifically in the waters off Palauig to San Antonio, Zambales.
Troops from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Royal Australian Navy (RAN), Royal Canadian Navy (RCN), and the United States Armed Forces’ Indo-Pacific Command conducted the MMCA from September 2-3 to continuously boost defense capability and interoperability between allied forces.
The AFP said the activity also underscores the four participating nations’ “strong defense partnership and shared commitment to advancing maritime security and regional stability.”
The exercise featured BRP Jose Rizal (FF150), AW159 helicopter, Sokol aircraft, and C-208B surveillance platform from the AFP; HMAS Brisbane (DDG41) and P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft of Australia; HMCS Ville de Quebéc (FFH332), and CH-148 Cyclone from Canada; and a P-8A Poseidon surveilance aircraft of the US Armed Forces.
The two-day activity included Photo Exercise (PhotoEx) that captured the unity of participating navies; a Vertical Replenishment (VERTREP) to test at-sea logistics and resupply operations; Personnel Exchange via rigid-hulled inflatable boats (RHIB) where Australian and Philippine sailors shared best practices onboard; and Coordinated Anti-Submarine Warfare Exercise (CASEX C2 Reverse) which enhanced detection and tracking capabilities.
The event concluded with a Passing Exercise (PASSEX), underscoring the seamless coordination and interoperability of all participating forces.
AFP chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. stressed 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,” he said.
