PH, US, Australia, Canada conclude joint military drills in WPS

The Philippines, the United States, Australia, and Canada successfully concluded their joint military exercise in the West Philippine Sea on August 8.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reported that the Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity met its objectives of enhancing the Philippines' tactical capabilities and interoperability.

AFP chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. stated the exercise highlighted strong defense relationships and a collective commitment to a stable and secure Indo-Pacific region.

The two-day drill included various maneuvers such as communication exercises, division tactics, photographic exercises, cross-deck landing operations, anti-submarine warfare exercises, and contact reporting.

Despite the presence of three Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy vessels, no significant incidents occurred during the activity.

The exercise, which took place within the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone, affirmed the nations' commitment to freedom of navigation and adherence to international maritime law.