The Joint Task Force (JTF) Sinaya kicked off the Maritime Inter-Agency Exercise (MIAEX) 2026-01 at Jubang International Seaport on May 14, 2026.
The exercise aims to strengthen interoperability, enhance coordination, and reinforce the capabilities of the maritime agencies to effectively respond to the evolving maritime security challenges within the Eastern Mindanao seaboard.
The participating agencies involved are JTF Sinaya, Coast Guard District Northeastern Mindanao, Philippine National Police (PNP) Regional Maritime Unit 13, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) 13, Department of Agriculture (DA), Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), Local Government Unit of Dapa, and reservists of the 72nd Naval Group Reserve and 1506th Ready Reserve Infantry Battalion.
Following the formal opening ceremony, a Maritime Domain Awareness Forum was conducted, where Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) from participating maritime agencies presented and discussed key topics on maritime security operations, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and emergency operations and evaluation. The forum served as a platform for collaborative dialogue and the exchange of best practices among partner-agencies committed to ensuring security and stability.
Simultaneously, a Youth Leadership Forum on West Philippine Sea (WPS) Awareness Advocacy was held at Siargao Island Institute of Technology, engaging the students in meaningful discussions on patriotism, national sovereignty, and responsible citizenship. The activity aligns with the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ communication plan “MULAT,” designed to raise public awareness and deepen understanding of national security concerns, particularly those involving the West Philippine Sea.