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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Chinese warships spotted during PH‑US‑Australia maritime drills in WPS

Chinese warships spotted during PH‑US‑Australia maritime drills in WPS

Published Feb 17, 2026 11:35 am
BRP Diego Silang (FFG7), USS Dewey (DDG 105), HMAS Towoomba (FFH 156), and BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV 9701) sail in coordinated formation during the 14th Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity with the Philippines, Australia, and United States in the West Philippine Sea on February 16, 2026. (Photo: AFP)
BRP Diego Silang (FFG7), USS Dewey (DDG 105), HMAS Towoomba (FFH 156), and BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV 9701) sail in coordinated formation during the 14th Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity with the Philippines, Australia, and United States in the West Philippine Sea on February 16, 2026. (Photo: AFP)
Two People’s Liberation Army-Navy (PLA-N) warships were sighted near the southeastern portion of Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough or Panatag Shoal) in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) during the 14th Philippine-United States- Australia Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA) on Monday, Feb. 16.
While the sighting prompted the three navies to be on alert, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) stated that the Chinese vessels did not form up or challenge the drills.
The two‑day MMCA was held on Feb. 15 to 16.
“The two-day exercise spanning the waters of the WPS reinforces the continuity of multilateral cooperation and reflects the participating nations’ sustained commitment to strengthening maritime security in the region,” the AFP said.
The AFP deployed a mix of air and naval assets including the Miguel Malvar-class guided missile frigate BRP Diego Silang, an AW109 multi-purpose helicopter, FA‑50 fighter jets, light attack and advanced trainer aircraft A‑29 Super Tucano, C‑208B utility aircraft, and a Sokol search and rescue helicopter.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) joined the drills with the 97-meter patrol vessel BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV‑9701).
Meanwhile, Australia’s contribution included the Royal Australian Navy frigate HMAS Toowoomba (FFH‑156) with an embarked MH‑60R multi-mission maritime helicopter and a P‑8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft.
For its part, the United States Indo‑Pacific Command (Indopacom) sent USS Dewey (DDG 105), an active Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer; alongside a P‑8A Poseidon.
The AFP said that the exercise activities focused on communication drills, maritime domain awareness, and division tactics to improve coordination and maneuvering.
The drills also featured a photo exercise, replenishment at sea, and a concluding hotwash.
“The 14th MMCA marked the 1st multilateral maritime cooperative activity of the year which underscores a shared, multinational resolve to strengthen interoperability, and the freedom of navigation and overflight under international law,” the AFP said.

Related Tags

MMCA AFP Australia United States Chinese warships PLA-Navy Bajo de Masinloc WPS
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