CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City– The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), together with the defense forces of Australia, Japan, and the United States, showcased their unified commitment to regional security and cooperation in the 6th Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA) conducted on February 5, 2025, within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
The AFP deployed the BRP Jose Rizal (FF150) and Philippine Air Force Search and Rescue (SAR) assets. Partner nations also contributed significantly to the activity, with Australia deploying the HMAS Hobart (DDG39) and P-8A Poseidon, Japan’s JS Akizuki (DD115), and the United States with the USS Benfold (DDG65) and P-8A Poseidon.
The MMCA featured a series of operational exercises designed to enhance coordination and interoperability among the participating forces. These included Communication Check Exercises (COMMEX), Maritime Domain Awareness and Contact Reporting, Division Tactics and Officer of the Watch Maneuver (DIVTACS/OOW), Photo Exercise (PHOTOEX), and Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Exercises.
AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo S Brawner Jr. underscored the importance of the initiative, stating, “This activity demonstrates the strong cooperation and interoperability among our nations’ armed forces. Conducted in accordance with international law, the MMCA ensures safe navigation while respecting the rights and interests of all states.”
General Brawner further emphasized that the MMCA reflects the shared commitment of the nations involved to uphold the principles of freedom of navigation, overflight, and other lawful uses of the sea and international airspace, as outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
This multilateral activity reaffirms the critical role of collaboration in ensuring peace, stability, and security in the Indo-Pacific region. It also strengthens the bonds among partner nations dedicated to upholding mutual prosperity and maintaining a rules-based international order.
