The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the United States Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) successfully concluded a Bilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) in the West Philippine Sea, held from June 14 to 19, 2026, marking the fourth such exercise between the two forces this year.
The six-day maritime exercise involved coordinated operations designed to enhance interoperability between Philippine and US forces, particularly in maritime security, domain awareness, and joint operational readiness.
Participating Philippine assets included the BRP Diego Silang (FFG7), AW109 helicopter, FA-50 fighter aircraft, C-208B aircraft, and Sokol helicopters. The Philippine Coast Guard also deployed the BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV 9702) and BRP Sindangan (MRRV 4407).
On the US side, USINDOPACOM fielded the USCGC Charles Moulthrope (WPC 1141), USCGC Emlen Tunnell (WPC 1145), a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, and elements of the 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment.
Throughout the exercise, participating forces conducted a range of maritime interoperability drills, including Search and Rescue (SAR), Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS), Communication Exercises (COMMEX), Division Tactics/Officer of the Watch (DIVTACS/OOW) maneuvers, Photo Exercise (PHOTEX), and Joint Fires Rehearsal.
Officials said the successful conduct of the MCA underscores the continuing commitment of the Philippines and the United States to strengthening maritime cooperation, improving coordination at sea, and supporting a rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific region.