PH, Australia, Canada, US hold WPS drills

Militaries from the Philippines, Australia, Canada, and the United States conducted joint exercises in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) on Tuesday and Wednesday, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said Thursday.

In a statement, the AFP said the Philippine military, Royal Australian Navy, Royal Canadian Navy, and the United States Indo-Pacific Command participated in the 10th Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA), which was held in the waters off Palauig to San Antonio, Zambales.

“Just days after the successful conclusion of Exercise Alon, the 10th MMCA reaffirms our collective resolve to protect our seas and uphold a rules-based international order,” AFP chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. said.

Philippine Navy personnel guides an AW159 helicopter as it lands on the flight deck of the BRP Jose Rizal (FF150) for the 10th Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA). SSg Ambay PA / PAOAFP

“We will continue to build on this foundation of trust, proving that we are indeed stronger together,” he added.

For the activity, the Philippines’ deployed BRP Jose Rizal (FF150), supported by an AW159 helicopter, a SAR Sokol aircraft, and a C-208B surveillance platform.

Australia sent HMAS Brisbane (DDG41) and P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft; Canada its HMCS Ville de Quebéc (FFH332), and CH-148 Cyclone; while the US its P-8A Poseidon.

Among the activities conducted by the four countries in the WPS were the following:

• Photo Exercise (PhotoEx) 
• Vertical Replenishment (VERTREP) 
• Personnel Exchange 
• Coordinated Anti-Submarine Warfare Exercise (CASEX C2 Reverse)
• Passing Exercise (PASSEX)

The flags of the Philippines and Canada fly proudly as the BRP Jose Rizal (FF150) and the HMCS Ville de Quebec (FFH332) conduct a Passing Exercise (PASSEX) during the 10th Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA). SSg Ambay PA / PAOAFP

According to the AFP, the four countries, through the joint activity in the WPS, stressed their strong defense ties and shared commitment to pushing maritime security and regional stability.—VAL, GMA Integrated News