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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Philippines hold military drills with Canada, US maritime forces

Philippines hold military drills with Canada, US maritime forces

Published Feb 13, 2025 06:01 am

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Filipino Air Force and Navy personnel joined their counterparts from the United States and Canada in the conduct of military exercises in the waters of Northern Luzon, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said on Thursday, Feb. 13.

AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner, Jr. said the activity was held on Wednesday, Feb. 12, and was part of the 7th Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA) with the the defense forces of Canada and the United States and was aimed at strengthening cooperation in ensuring peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. 

““This activity underscores the AFP’s commitment to enhancing regional stability and maritime security. These strategic partnerships strengthen our interoperability and foster a collective security in the Indo-Pacific region,” said Brawner.

“It also reinforces the bonds between partner nations dedicated to mutual prosperity and the maintenance of a rules-based international order, as outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS),” he added.

Brawner said the 7th MMCA featured a series of operational exercises focused on enhancing coordination and interoperability between the Philippines and Canada. 

These exercises included Communication Check Exercises (COMMEX), Division Tactics (DIVTACS), Photo Exercise (PHOTOEX), and Expandable Mobile Anti-Submarine Training Target Exercise (EMATTEX).

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In a statement, the AFP said the MMCA took place within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone, particularly in Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) Joint Operational Area. 

Nolcom commanding general Lt. Gen. Fernyl Buca said they deployed BRP Andres Bonifacio and Beechcraft King Air (NV394) to take part in the Division Tactics, Anti-Submarine Warfare, and Communication Exercises.The Philippine Air Force Search and Rescue (SAR) assets were also deployed. 

Buca said Canada deployed the HMCS Ottawa (FFH341) while the United States was involved in the planning and pre-sail conference, as well as monitoring the activity. 

The activity, he said, started at 9:23 a.m. and ended at 4:30 p.m. of the same day.

During the activity, the AFP said three People’s Liberation Army (PLA)-Navy ships, an oceanographic surveillance ship, and a helicopter were monitored. 

But the AFP said the Chinese naval assets did not interfere at the span of the entire activity: "The exercise proceeded as planned"

 

 

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