AFP, PCG, US forces hold maritime drills in PH waters
Published Mar 22, 2026 10:09 am
Two Philippine Air Force A-29B Super Tucano aircraft fly above USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) during the bilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity 26-3.1 by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and United States Indo-Pacific Command (US Indopacom) in Manila Bay and waters off Mariveles, Bataan on March 20, 2026. (Photo by Edward Bungubung/PAOAFP)
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and the United States Indo-Pacific Command (US Indopacom) carried out joint maritime drills in Manila Bay and waters off Mariveles, Bataan over the weekend to improve their interoperability.
Col. Xerxes Trinidad, chief of AFP public affairs office, said the bilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity 26-3.1, held on March 20, focused on maritime security and response operations within Philippine waters.
The AFP deployed BRP Antonio Luna (FFG15), air assets such as two A-29B Super Tucano aircraft, one C-208B, and a Sokol search and rescue aircraft to the drills. Meanwhile, the PCG sent BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV 8301) while the US Indopacom mobilized the USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19), the flagship of the US Navy’s 7th Fleet.
During the activity, participating units carried out a series of exercises, including communications check and a photo exercise.
“The successful conduct of the MCA reflected the continuing commitment of the Philippines and the United States to strengthen coordination and cooperation in promoting regional maritime security, stability, and adherence to international law,” Trinidad said on Saturday night, March 21.
Manila and Washington continue to expand defense ties amid tensions in regional waters, particularly in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), where China has intensified its maritime presence.
Both treaty allies have increased joint activities in recent years to boost interoperability and reinforce a rules-based order at sea. Their defense partnership was anchored on the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT), which obligates both nations to defend each other against armed attacks.
Defense ties have expanded in recent years through joint exercises and access agreements that cover key Philippine bases under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).
Prior to the MCA, PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan met with US 7th Fleet Commander Vice Admiral Patrick J. Hannifin at the PCG headquarters in Port Area, Manila, marking the the first time a US Navy fleet commander visited the Coast Guard.
Hannifin was received by PCG Deputy Commandant for Operations Vice Admiral Edgar Ybañez.
During the meeting, both sides stressed the need for sustained engagement and discussed improving maritime domain awareness (MDA) and expanding joint training.
“The PCG expressed its appreciation for the continued engagement of the United States through its Navy and reaffirmed its commitment to further strengthening cooperation through regular high-level exchanges and collaborative activities,” PCG spokesperson Commodore Noemi Cayabyab said.