By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — Philippine, American and Canadian forces have completed a two-day maritime exercise in the Sulu Sea, with naval and air units conducting coordinated drills aimed at improving interoperability, maritime security and information-sharing, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said Monday.
The 20th multilateral maritime cooperative activity (MMCA) brought together Philippine Navy and Coast Guard assets with forces from the United States and Canada in a series of coordinated maritime and aerial exercises over the weekend.
The Philippines deployed the guided-missile frigate BRP Diego Silang (FFG-7), a W-3A “Sokol” search-and-rescue aircraft and an S-70i “Black Hawk” helicopter. The Philippine Coast Guard also fielded the BRP Suluan (MRRV-4406).
Canada participated with the HMCS Regina (FFH-334), a guided-missile frigate, while the United States contributed a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft through the US Pacific Command.
The participating forces carried out communications exercises, division tactics, officer-of-the-watch drills, maneuvering exercises and maritime domain awareness activities.
According to the AFP, the exercises were designed to strengthen coordination among the participating forces and develop a common understanding of activities in the maritime domain.
The military said the activity also reinforced cooperation among the three countries and contributed to efforts toward a safer and more peaceful region.
The AFP described the exercise as part of the Philippines’ continuing efforts to deepen defense partnerships with like-minded countries and build collective capabilities in maintaining a secure and rules-based maritime environment.
The latest MMCA was the 20th iteration of the multilateral activity. The first was held on April 7, 2024, in the West Philippine Sea, involving Philippine, US and Australian forces.
ia/xf
