The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)—in partnership with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and the United States Indo-Pacific Command—concluded the 11th Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA) held on September 12–13, 2025 in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) despite the presence of Chinese warships in the area.
For the exercise, the AFP deployed the BRP Jose Rizal (FF150), an AW109 anti-submarine helicopter, a Philippine Air Force search-and-rescue aircraft, a C-208B Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft, and four FA-50 fighter jets.
The U.S. fielded the USS John Finn (DDG113), a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, and two MH-60R helicopters. Meanwhile, Japan deployed the JS Osumi (LST4001), showcasing its amphibious capabilities and readiness for combined maritime operations.
During the activity, BRP Jose Rizal issued a radio challenge to a vessel of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLA-N) that was spotted operating within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
“This is Philippine Navy warship FF150, in accordance with the Republic Act 12064 the Philippine Maritime Zone Act, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of which you are part of and the 2016 Arbitral Award. You are advised that you are sailing in the Philippine exclusive economic zone,” the Philippine Navy told the Chinese vessel.
The message was directed at a Chinese warship identified as bow number 551, a Jiangkai-class frigate, which was detected approximately seven nautical miles from BRP Jose Rizal and 35 nautical miles southwest of Capones Island in Zambales at around 12 noon Friday.
The Chinese Navy responded: “This is Chinese navy warship 551. This is a Chinese warship that enjoys sovereign immunity. We are taking legal military operations beyond territorial waters of other territorial countries.”
Shortly after, Philippine Navy radar detected another Chinese warship in the vicinity around 1 p.m. But the encounter did not disrupt exercises or compromise the safety of any assets involved.
“Once we detect them (Chinese vessels), we initiate the (radio) challenges, so they are informed that they are within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone and we are invoking the international law and the Philippine maritime law that we adhere to,” said Lt. John Lawrence Calma, Electronic Warfare Officer of BRP Jose Rizal. “They did not affect our activities. We are undaunted.”
Despite the tensions, the Philippine Navy successfully conducted a recovery exercise with the AW-109 naval helicopter, which landed on the Jose Rizal earlier in the day.
The 11th MMCA featured a series of communication and maritime domain awareness exercises, designed to enhance interoperability between the three allied navies.
Key components of the navy drills included a communications check exercise to ensure effective coordination; maritime domain awareness activities; an anti-submarine warfare exercise; a cross-deck landing exercise; and naval surface interdiction and clearance.
The exercise also featured division tactics/officer of the watch maneuvers, a photo exercise, passing exercise, search and rescue exercise, and a final exercise.
“For us pilots, this is a good experience to learn the standard procedures of other navies. So, in the future, if there are actual operations, we can conduct joint operations smoothly,” said Lt. Hazel Joy Feliciano, Pilot-in-Command of NH434.
The AFP previously emphasized that beyond improving the technical skills of the country’s soldiers, this kind of exercise also plays a vital role in deepening ties in maintaining the peace and stability in the region.
This marks the second MMCA conducted in September, following the successful completion of the 10th iteration on September 3, 2025.
The joint activity took place in the waters off Magalawa Island, Palauig to Silanguin Island, San Antonio, Zambales.
