PH, US hold joint military drills in WPS

The militaries of the Philippines and the United States conducted their 10th bilateral maritime cooperative activity (MCA) west of Zambales, within the country’s exclusive economic zone in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), on Monday.

In a statement issued Tuesday, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said the activities conducted with the United States Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) included the following:

• Communication Checks Exercise
• Maritime Domain Awareness Reporting
• Raid Exercise
• Division Tactics/Officer of the Watch Maneuver with Photo Exercise
• Low Pass/Fly-by
• Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) activity

The Philippine military deployed the BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06), three A-29B Super Tucano aircraft, three FA-50 fighter jets, and a Sokol search-and-rescue helicopter.

Meanwhile, US forces sent the USS Robert Smalls (CG-62), an MH-60R Seahawk helicopter, and a P-8A Poseidon aircraft.

According to the AFP, the activity aimed to demonstrate the Philippines’ growing operational readiness and its ability to integrate with allied forces in complex maritime scenarios.

“The successful conduct of the 10th Bilateral MCA underscores the shared commitment of the Philippines and the United States to uphold a rules-based Indo-Pacific region in accordance with international law, while affirming support for freedom of navigation and overflight, and contributing to maritime security, regional stability, and a free and open Indo-Pacific,” the AFP said.

From December 9 to 10, the two countries conducted their ninth bilateral maritime cooperative activity in the West Philippine Sea.—MCG, GMA Integrated News