By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora
MANILA – The Philippines and the United States have completed a bilateral maritime cooperative activity (MCA) in Manila Bay and waters off Mariveles, Bataan, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said on Saturday.
Dubbed as Bilateral MCA 26-3.1, the latest drills, completed on Friday, aimed to enhance interoperability among the participating 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 reflected 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.”
Assets from the Philippines included the BRP Antonio Luna (FFG15), two A-29B Super Tucano, a C-208B aircraft, a Sokol Search and Rescue Aircraft, and the PCG’s BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV 8301), while the US deployed the US Navy’s 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19).
During the activity, the participating forces carried out a series of exercises, including a communications check and a photo exercise.
The US 7th Fleet clarified that these drills, along with other MCAs, are conducted in a manner consistent with international law and with due regard to the safety, navigational rights, and freedoms of all nations.
“The US, along with our allies and partners, upholds the right to 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,” it said.
“US 7th Fleet, the US Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific.”
Before the bilateral sails, the USS Blue Ridge conducted a port visit to Manila, where the US 7th Fleet and the Philippine Navy Fleet conducted subject matter expert exchanges and leadership calls.
The latest drills follow the two nations’ January MCA off the Bajo de Masinloc against the backdrop of China’s sustained presence in the West Philippine Sea. (PNA)
