The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) says navies from the Philippines, Canada and Australia held joint drills in the West Philippine Sea.

According to AFP, the maritime cooperative activity was conducted west southwest off El Nido, Palawan, under Exercise ALON.

Among those who participated in the naval exercises, like crossdeck hoisting and personnel exchange, were the BRP Jose Rizal (FF150) of the Philippine Navy, HMAS Brisbane (DDG41) of the Royal Australian Navy, and HMCS Ville de Québec (FFH332) of the Royal Canadian Navy.

“The engagement reflects a shared resolve to uphold a rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific and reinforces the commitment of the Philippines, Australia, and Canada to promote freedom of navigation, regional stability, and collective maritime security,” the AFP said.