By Priam Nepomuceno | Philippine News Agency
Naval and air units from the Philippines and the United States held the 10th bilateral maritime cooperative activity (MCA) in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), highlighting the country’s growing capability to integrate with allied forces.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), in a statement Tuesday, said the 10th bilateral MCA with the United States Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) took place “specifically west of Zambales within the country’s exclusive economic zone.”
During the exercise, the AFP deployed the (guided missile frigate) BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06), three A-29B ‘Super Tucano,’ three FA-50 fighter jets, and a ‘Sokol’ search and rescue helicopter. The AFP said this demonstrates the Philippines’ growing operational readiness and ability to integrate with allied forces in complex maritime scenarios.
Meanwhile, the U.S. deployed the guided missile cruiser USS Robert Smalls (CG-62), MH-60R “Seahawk” helicopter and a P-8A “Poseidon” maritime patrol aircraft.
Monday’s training activities follow the 9th Philippine-U.S. bilateral exercise held last Dec. 9 to 10.
“Activities conducted include communication checks exercise, maritime domain awareness reporting, raid exercise, division tactics/officer of the watch maneuver with photo exercise, and a low pass/fly-by. Likewise, a visit, board, search, and seizure activity was conducted by Naval Special Warfare Unit-9 aboard FFG-06 (BRP Miguel Malvar),” the AFP said.
The activity also affirmed support for the freedom of navigation and overflight and contributed to maritime security, regional stability and a free and open Indo-Pacific.
