CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), United States Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM), and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) conducted the 13th Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA) in the West Philippine Sea on November 14 to 15, 2025, demonstrating growing regional unity and cooperation.
The AFP deployed BRP Jose Rizal (FF150), BRP Antonio Luna (FF151), and an AW159. The USINDOPACOM participated through the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group, composed of the USS Nimitz (CVN68), USS Wayne Meyer (DDG 108), USS Gridley (DDG101), and USS Lenah Sutcliffe Higbee (DDG123). Meanwhile, the JMSDF joined with the JS Akebono (DD-108) and an SH-60K Seahawk helicopter.
The AFP emphasized that the MMCA series underscores its commitment to safeguarding sovereign rights and strengthening collective defense with trusted partners. These engagements reinforce the Philippines’ resolve to defend its maritime domains, enhance interoperability, and uphold freedom of navigation under a rules-based Indo-Pacific order.
