AFP, USINDOPACOM hold joint maritime drills off Palawan

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the US Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) conducted joint maritime drills near Palawan from January 17 to 18, marking the first such exercise in 2025.

These drills, part of the Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) series, included a Communications Check Exercise, Division Tactics, a Photo Exercise, and Dissimilar Aircraft Combat Training.

Amidst ongoing concerns over Chinese maritime activity, the AFP spokesperson stated plans to "elevate" future joint exercises by incorporating more advanced training scenarios and potentially involving other like-minded countries.

The stated aims of these MCAs are to improve interoperability, promote a rules-based maritime order, and ensure regional peace and security.

Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla highlighted that the exercises strengthen maritime domain awareness, communication and coordination capabilities, and provide valuable training for personnel defending the Philippines' maritime territory and sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea.