PH, Japan forces hold 2nd Maritime Cooperative Activity in WPS

The navies of the Philippines and Japan over the weekend held the second bilateral maritime cooperative activity (MCA), following the ratification of Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) that the two countries inked in July 2024.

The MCA included communication checks, anti-submarine warfare, cross-deck exercises, division tactics and officer of the watch maneuvers (DIVTACS/OOW), photo exercises, and a Finish exercise (FINEX) between the Philippine Navy, Philippine Air Force and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).

Participating in the recent MCA were the guided missile frigate BRP Miguel Malvar, its assigned AW159 anti-submarine helicopter, a PAF C-208 ISR aircraft, and search and rescue units. Japan deployed the destroyer JS Takanami and its embarked SH-60K Seahawk helicopter.

“This cooperative activity is more than a display of maritime capability — it is a manifestation of our enduring commitment to uphold peace, stability, and a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific,” Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff General Romeo Brawner Jr. said in a statement on Sunday.

“With the RAA now in effect, our coordination with Japan will only grow stronger and more responsive to the complex demands of our shared environment,” he added.

The RAA was signed by Japanese Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko and Philippine Defense Secretary Gilbero Teodoro Jr. last July, with aims to heighten defense cooperation between the two countries in the middle of escalating tensions in the South China Sea.

To recall, leaders of the Philippines, Japan, and the United States in April 2024 released a Joint Vision Statement indicating the possibility of more combined naval training and exercises, with Manila set to receive support for its defense modernization priorities.

Prior to this, naval and air forces of the three countries and Australia conducted a multilateral maritime cooperative activity (MMCA) in the West Philippine Sea, in line with their commitment to strengthen regional and international cooperation. —Jon Viktor Cabuenas/RF, GMA Integrated News