The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has concluded the 11th Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA) in the West Philippine Sea with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) and the United States Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM).

The exercise held in the waters off Magalawa Island, Palauig to Silanguin Island, San Antonio, Zambales, is the second MMCA conducted this month.

“These continuous engagements underscore the sustained commitment of the three nations to enhancing maritime cooperation, promoting regional security, and supporting a rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific,” AFP said in a statement released on Sunday.

The AFP said that the key components of the 11th MMCA include:

• Communications Check Exercise
• Maritime Domain Awareness activities
• Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Exercise
• Cross-Deck Landing Exercise
• Naval Surface Interdiction and Clearance (NSIC).

The exercise also featured Division Tactics/Officer of the Watch maneuvers, a Photo Exercise (PHOTOEX), Passing Exercise (PASSEX), Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX), and a Final Exercise (FINEX), added the AFP.

The AFP said it deployed BRP Jose Rizal (FF150), an AW109 anti-submarine helicopter, a Philippine Air Force search and rescue aircraft, a C-208B Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft, and four FA-50 fighter jets.

The United States contributed the USS John Finn (DDG113), a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, and two MH 60-R helicopters.

For Japan, JS Osumi (LST4001) was deployed, demonstrating its amphibious capabilities and operational readiness in combined maritime operations.

“The successful conduct of the MMCA not only enhances the interoperability of the participating forces but also reaffirms the Philippines’ steadfast commitment to safeguarding its maritime interests and upholding peace and security in the region,” AFP said.

Parts of the South China Sea that fall within Philippine territory have been renamed by the government as West Philippine Sea to reinforce the country’s claim.

The West Philippine Sea refers to the maritime areas on the western side of the Philippine archipelago including Luzon Sea and the waters around, within and adjacent to the Kalayaan Island Group and Bajo de Masinloc.