Ang Pahayagan

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and their counterpart forces from Australia, Canada, and United States of America is currently conducting a Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) within Philippine exclusive economic zone, including the West Philippine Sea.

The exercise, which runs from August 7 to 8, features a variety of naval and air assets from the participating nations. The Philippine contingent included the BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) with a AW159 helicopter and the BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS-16). Australia’s involvement featured a Poseidon Aircraft (P8A) and Canada deployed the HMCS Montreal (FFH336) and a Sikorsky CH-148 Cyclone helicopter. The United States contributed the USS Lake Erie (CG70) and a Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk helicopter.

📸 Canada’s Sikorsky CH148 Cyclone flies over BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS16) during the AUS-CAN-PH-US Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity being held in the West Philippine Sea from August 7 to 8.

The MCA is a series of events designed to enhance interoperability and cooperation among the participating forces. Among them are the pre-sail briefing, communication exercise (COMMEX), division tactics/officer of the watch (Divtacs/OOW) maneuver, photographic exercise (PHOTOEX), cross deck landing operations, anti-submarine warfare exercise (ASW Ex), and contact reporting/maritime domain awareness (MDA).

AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr., lauded the exercise, emphasizing its importance in strengthening regional security and fostering cooperation with our ally and international partners.

“This multilateral exercise underscores the commitment of our nations to ensuring peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. By working together, we enhance our collective capabilities and demonstrate our shared dedication to maintaining a secure maritime environment,” he stated.

The MCA highlights the robust defense relationships and the unwavering commitment of the participating nations to upholding international maritime security and promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific.

📸 [From left to right] The HMCS Montreal (FFH336), BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS16), USS Lake Erie (CG70) and BRP Jose Rizal (FF150) during the AUS-CAN-PH-US Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity being held in the West Philippine Sea from August 7 to 8. (Photo by PFC Carmelotes/PAOAFP)