Maritime forces from the Philippines, Australia, Canada, and the United States conducted a two days joint exercises in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said Thursday.

In a statement, AFP chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. said the Philippine military, Royal Australian Navy, Royal Canadian Navy, and the United States Indo-Pacific Command participated in the 10th Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA), which was held in the waters off Palauig to San Antonio, Zambales.

“Just days after the successful conclusion of Exercise Alon, the 10th MMCA reaffirms our collective resolve to protect our seas and uphold a rules-based international order,” Brawner said.

Philippine Navy personnel guides an AW159 helicopter as it lands on the flight deck of the BRP Jose Rizal (FF150) for the 10th Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA). SSg Ambay PA / PAOAFP

“We will continue to build on this foundation of trust, proving that we are indeed stronger together,” he added.

The Philippines’ deployed BRP Jose Rizal (FF150), supported by an AW159 helicopter, a SAR Sokol aircraft, and a C-208B surveillance platform.

Australia sent HMAS Brisbane (DDG41) and P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft; Canada its HMCS Ville de Quebéc (FFH332), and CH-148 Cyclone; while the US its P-8A Poseidon.

Among the activities conducted by the four countries in the WPS were the following:

• Photo Exercise (PhotoEx)
• Vertical Replenishment (VERTREP)
• Personnel Exchange
• Coordinated Anti-Submarine Warfare Exercise (CASEX C2 Reverse)
• Passing Exercise (PASSEX)