MANILA: Naval vessels of the Philippines, Canada, Japan, and the United States held a second multilateral maritime cooperative activity (MMCA) within the West Philippine Sea (WPS), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (A.F.P) announced on Tuesday.
A.F.P public affairs office chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad, in a statement, said the collaboration of warships from the Philippine Navy, US Navy, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Forces (JMSDF), and Royal Canadian Navy on June 16 during the MMCA was a success.
“The multilateral operation included the A.F.P’s Gregorio del Pilar-class patrol ship BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS-17), the US Navy Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ralph Johnson (DDG-114), the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) ‘Murasame’-class destroyer JS Kirisame (DD-104), and the Royal Canadian Navy Halifax-class frigate HMCS Montreal (FFH-336),” he added.
Meanwhile, A.F.P chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. noted that the exercise highlights the commitment of the A.F.P and its allies to maintain pea
ce and security in the Indo-Pacific Region.
“This collaboration enhances our capabilities and interoperability with allies and partners, enabling us to effectively address common maritime challenges and demonstrate our shared dedication to upholding international law and the rules-based international order, as well as ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific,” he added.
The first MMCA took place in April, which involved the PN, US Navy, Royal Australian Navy, and the JMSDF.
Source: Philippines News Agency