The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) deployed four of its aerial and naval assets during the recently conducted 4th Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA) with four other allied nations over the weekend.
“This underscores our shared commitments to upholding the right to freedom of navigation and overflight, other lawful uses of the sea and international airspace, as well as respect for maritime rights under international law, as reflected in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS),” said AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo S. Brawner Jr.
According to the AFP, the activity involved a range of naval and aerial assets, including the Philippine Navy’s BRP Antonio Luna (FF151), BRP Emilio Jacinto (PS35), one AW109 helicopter, and Philippine Air Force Search and Rescue (SAR) assets.
Allied nations such as the United States deployed the USS Howard (DDG83) along with two helicopters, while Australia contributed HMAS Sydney (D48), a P-8 Poseidon aircraft, and one helicopter.
Japan participated with JS Sazanami (DD113), and New Zealand sent HMNZS Aotearoa (A-11).
