To enhance interoperability in maritime security operations, particularly in a key flashpoint area, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) joined United States forces in a five-day maritime security exercise near Bajo de Masinloc in the West Philippine Sea.
The Bilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity was held from May 26 to 30 in partnership with the United States Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM). It marked the third Philippine-US maritime cooperative activity this year.
Philippine assets deployed for the drills included BRP Antonio Luna, an AW109 helicopter, an FA-50 fighter aircraft, and a Sokol aircraft. The PCG sent BRP Melchora Aquino, while the US side deployed USCGC Midgett and an MH-65 helicopter.
The exercises covered search-and-rescue, visit, board, search, and seizure operations, maritime law enforcement training, deck landing qualifications, vertical replenishment, and communication drills.
The AFP said the activity highlighted continuing efforts by Manila and Washington to improve interoperability, strengthen maritime domain awareness, and support a rules-based international order in the region.