Manila and Washington have completed a bilateral maritime cooperative activity in Manila Bay and waters off Mariveles, Bataan, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said on Saturday.
Dubbed Bilateral MCA 26-3.1, the drills, completed Friday, aimed to enhance interoperability among units of the AFP, the US Indo-Pacific Command, and the Philippine Coast Guard to support sustained maritime security and response within the country’s maritime zones.
“The successful conduct of the MCA reflects the continuing commitment of the Philippines and the United States to strengthen coordination and cooperation in promoting regional maritime security, stability, and adherence to international law,” the AFP said.
“The AFP remains committed to building strong defense partnerships and enhancing its capability to safeguard the country’s maritime interests and uphold a rules-based international order,” it added.
Philippine assets included BRP Antonio Luna, two A-29B Super Tucano aircraft, a C-208B aircraft, a Sokol search-and-rescue aircraft, and the PCG’s BRP Gabriela Silang, while the US deployed the USS Blue Ridge, the flagship of the US 7th Fleet.
Participating forces carried out a series of exercises, including communications checks and a photo exercise.
The US 7th Fleet said the drills were conducted in a manner consistent with international law and with due regard to the safety, navigational rights, and freedoms of all nations.
It reiterated support for freedom of navigation and overflight and other lawful uses of the sea and international airspace, as well as respect for maritime rights under international law.
The USS Blue Ridge earlier conducted a port visit to Manila, where the US 7th Fleet and the Philippine Navy held subject matter exchanges and leadership engagements.
The latest drills follow a January maritime activity off Bajo de Masinloc amid China’s continued presence in the West Philippine Sea.
