Ang Pahayagan

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), in partnership with the United States Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) and the Australian Defence Force (ADF), successfully conducted a Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA) in the West Philippine Sea from April 9 to 12, 2026, as part of ongoing efforts to enhance maritime defense capabilities and regional cooperation.

This iteration marks the second MMCA involving the Philippines, the United States, and Australia this year, and the 16th overall, underscoring the deepening defense ties among the three nations and their shared commitment to maintaining regional security and stability.

During the four-day activity, the AFP deployed key naval and air assets, including the Philippine Navy’s BRP Rajah Sulayman (PS20), alongside Philippine Air Force aircraft such as FA-50 fighter jets, A-29B Super Tucano, C-208B aircraft, and a Sokol search and rescue helicopter. The Philippine Coast Guard also participated by deploying BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV-9702), demonstrating a whole-of-nation approach to maritime security operations.

The ADF contributed HMAS Toowoomba (FFH156) equipped with an MH-60R helicopter and a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, while USINDOPACOM deployed USS Ashland (LSD-48) for the exercise.

Philippine Navy personnel engage with Australian counterparts during replenishment at sea (RAS), fostering camaraderie and enhancing interoperability among participating forces as part of the MMCA.

Exercise serials included replenishment at sea approach (RASAP), rendezvous procedures, Communications Exercise (COMMEX), Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) activities, division tactics and Officer of the Watch maneuvers, flyby exercise, photo exercise, night steaming in company, screen exercise, and a farewell pass. The activity concluded with the formal declaration of Finish Exercise (FINEX).

A notable highlight of this iteration was the transport of four Naval Combat Engineering Brigade equipment assets—comprising one payloader, one telescopic crane, and two concrete mixers—from Manila Bay to Puerto Princesa City, Palawan aboard USS Ashland. This demonstrated the practical application of logistics interoperability between the AFP and USINDOPACOM.

The AFP reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening partnerships with like-minded nations to ensure maritime security, safeguard national interests, and contribute to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

TOP 📸 : BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV-9702) sails in formation alongside HMAS Toowoomba (FFH 156) while executing division tactics (DIVTACS), demonstrating coordinated maneuvering and enhanced maritime cooperation during the MMCA on April 11. (PAOAFP photos)