US, PH, Japan conduct joint maritime drill off Philippines

The United States Indo-Pacific Command, along with the Philippine Navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, conducted a fifth Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA) in the Philippines' exclusive economic zone on Friday.

This joint maritime exercise involved ships from all three nations as well as aircraft, aiming to strengthen regional cooperation and demonstrate commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

The drill included communication checks, Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs), pre-sail conferences, photo and division tactics exercises to enhance interoperability and strengthen maritime capabilities.

Units participating in the exercise included the Philippine Navy's BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS17) and a C-90 aircraft, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's JS Samidare (DD 106), and U.S. Navy's P-8A Poseidon from Patrol Squadron 47.

The Philippines, Japan, and the United States reaffirmed their dedication to working closely together to maintain security and stability in the region, particularly in response to recent Chinese aggression near Bajo de Masinloc.

Japan also granted Manila a military funding package worth 1.6 billion yen ($10.6 million) aimed at enhancing Philippine naval capabilities, as part of their strategic partnership.