MANILA – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced that Filipino and American forces have completed a bilateral maritime exercise in Manila Bay and the waters off Mariveles, Bataan.
The activity, known as Bilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity 26-3.1, concluded on Friday and was aimed at improving operational coordination among the AFP, the US Indo-Pacific Command, and the Philippine Coast Guard.
According to the AFP, the drills highlighted the continued cooperation between the Philippines and the United States in strengthening regional maritime security and reinforcing adherence to international law.
The Philippine military also reaffirmed its commitment to boosting defense capabilities and maintaining strong alliances to protect national maritime interests and contribute to stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
The Philippines deployed several military assets for the exercise, including the BRP Antonio Luna, two A-29B Super Tucano aircraft, a C-208B aircraft, a Sokol search-and-rescue aircraft, and the BRP Gabriela Silang of the Philippine Coast Guard. The United States participated through the USS Blue Ridge, the flagship vessel of the US Navy’s 7th Fleet.
During the activity, participating forces conducted communication drills and formation maneuvers, including a coordinated photo exercise at sea.
The US 7th Fleet emphasized that the operations were carried out in accordance with international law while respecting the safety and navigation rights of other nations.
It reiterated that the United States continues to work with allies and partners to support freedom of navigation, lawful maritime activities, and the use of international airspace.
Prior to the maritime drills, the USS Blue Ridge visited Manila, where US Navy personnel held leadership engagements and technical discussions with members of the Philippine Navy.
The latest cooperative exercise follows a similar maritime activity held in January near Bajo de Masinloc, as tensions persist in the West Philippine Sea due to China’s continued presence in the area.
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