The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the United States Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) conducted the 7th Bilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) on June 4, 2025, to further strengthen cooperation and interoperability in maintaining regional peace and stability in West Philippine Sea as well as good order at sea in accordance with international law.
A highlight of this iteration was the fire support rehearsal involving the U.S. 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment (3MLR) based in Subic. This serial tested joint coordination in a littoral combat environment, integrating forward observers, command and control elements, and fire support platforms for a smooth maritime operational effectiveness.
Additional exercises conducted included Communications Check Exercises (COMMEX), Division Tactics and Officer of the Watch Maneuvers (DIVTACS/OOW), Photo Exercises (PHOTOEX), and a Final Exercise (FINEX), all designed to enhance interoperability for maritime domain awareness and targeting reconnaissance capability.
Notably, the 7th MCA marked a milestone for the Philippine Navy with the participation of BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06) on its first operational deployment since commissioning last month. The mission provided a valuable opportunity to evaluate the ship’s performance in a multilateral environment and assess its readiness to operate alongside its partner nation, reaffirming its vital role in enhancing the AFP’s maritime capabilities.
Beyond defense training, the MCA also supports broader objectives, including capacity building and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR) preparedness, with the participation from the Philippine Air Force Search and Rescue (SAR) asset and the Philippine Coast Guard’s BRP Cabra (MRRV4409). These efforts directly contribute to the AFP’s ability to carry out its mandated tasks more efficiently and with greater responsiveness.
The MCA is a demonstration of both nations’ resolve to deepen cooperation and enhance interoperability in line with international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). As regional dynamics evolve, the MCA underscore the importance of working together to safeguard peace, stability, and a rule-based international order in the Indo-Pacific region.
Photo by A1C Castro/PAOAFP
