PH, Japan, US hold maritime cooperative activity in WPS

COOPERATIVE ACTIVITY. The view from the BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) as the Philippine Navy vessel sailed with the USS Shoup (DDG-86) and JS Noshiro (FFM-3) during the conduct of a multilateral maritime cooperative activity (MMCA) in the West Philippine Sea on Friday (March 28, 2025). (Photo courtesy of LTC Salgado PA/AFP)

MANILA — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), along with the naval units of Japan and the United States, conducted another “multilateral maritime cooperative activity” (MMCA) in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) on Friday.

In a statement, the AFP said this latest MMCA aimed to enhance interoperability and strengthen the combined capabilities of the participating forces.

The Philippine contingent to the latest MMCA consisted of the guided missile frigate BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150), an AW-109 helicopter, a C-90 aircraft and search-and-rescue assets of the Air Force.

Meanwhile, Japan deployed the multi-mission frigate JS Noshiro (FFM-3) with the maritime helicopter SH-60K.

The US contributed the guided missile destroyer DDG Shoup (DDG-86), multi-mission naval helicopter MH-60R and maritime patrol aircraft P-8A Poseidon.

The activity consisted of various exercises including communications check, rotary flight operations, maritime domain awareness/contact reporting, division tactics, personnel exchange and photo exercises.

“The MMCA continuously highlights the vital improvements in our coordination, tactics and shared maritime awareness,” AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said.

“Every iteration strengthens our capacity to respond to maritime security challenges while reinforcing our collective ability to safeguard our national interests,” he added.

In a separate statement, the Japanese Embassy in Manila said Tokyo’s participation reaffirms its commitment to promoting the “free and open use of the seas” with like-minded partners.

“Standing shoulder-to-shoulder, Japan, the Philippines and the United States stand resolute in advancing the shared vision of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific, reaffirming their shared commitment to a rules-based international order that promotes peace, security and prosperity for all nations across the region,” it said.

This 8th MMCA follows the inaugural port call of JS Noshiro at the Naval Operating Base Subic.

“The port visit and subsequent MMCA reflect Japan’s strong commitment to maritime stability and security,” the embassy said.