THE Philippines, United States and Canada stepped up maritime coordination with a two-day multilateral exercise in the Sulu Sea involving warships, maritime patrol and military aircraft, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said Tuesday.
The 20th Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA), held Sept. 12 and 13, was aimed at improving interoperability, maritime security, information-sharing and coordination among the participating forces.
The AFP deployed the Philippine Navy’s BRP Diego Silang (FFG-7), a Sokol search-and-rescue aircraft and a Black Hawk helicopter for the exercise.
The Philippine Coast Guard also joined the activity with BRP Suluan (MRRV-4406).
Canada deployed the Royal Canadian Navy frigate HMCS Regina (FFH-334), while the US participated through a P-8A maritime patrol aircraft under the US Pacific Command.
The exercise featured a Communications Exercise, Division Tactics, Officer of the Watch maneuver exercises and Maritime Domain Awareness activities.
The activities were designed to improve the participating forces’ ability to communicate, maneuver and coordinate maritime operations while developing a shared understanding of activities at sea.
The AFP said the exercise contributed to efforts to promote a safer and more peaceful region by strengthening the participating forces’ capability to operate together.
It also emphasized the Philippines’ commitment to expanding defense and security partnerships with like-minded countries and enhancing collective capabilities in support of a secure and rules-based maritime environment.