The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) strengthened its combined capabilities with counterparts from the United States (US) and Japan through a multilateral maritime cooperative activity (MMCA) conducted in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) on Friday.

The maritime drills, which aimed to enhance interoperability and strengthen defense ties among the three participating nations, were conducted around 31 nautical miles southeast of Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal) in the WPS.

During the MMCA, the AFP utilized the Philippine Navy’s BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150), AgustaWestland AW109 helicopter, and C90 aircraft, along with the Philippine Air Force’s Search and Rescue (SAR) assets.

The US deployed its guided-missile destroyer USS Shoup (DDG-86), along with multi-mission naval helicopter MH-60R, and maritime patrol aircraft P-8A Poseidon.

Meanwhile, Japan deployed its multi-mission frigate JS Noshiro (FFM-3), carrying a maritime helicopter SH-60K during the exercises.

These assets from participating nations engaged in Communications Check Exercises, Personnel Exchange Exercise, Rotary Flight Operations, Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA)/Contact Reporting, Division Tactics (DIVTACS), and Photo Exercises (PHOTOEX).

In a media interview onboard the BRP Jose Rizal on Friday, skipper Commander Irvin Ian Robles said the Philippines is now at par with other nations in showcasing modern naval assets relevant to the country’s push for stronger territorial defense.

“In this kind of exercise, we are trying to test out the capabilities na meron tayo ngayon (that we have now), even our new platforms. And I think we are at par with other countries now that we have modern platforms. And second, we were able to interoperate with them,” he said.

Robles, the commanding officer of BRP Jose Rizal, emphasized the significance of continuously improving the country’s interoperability capabilities.

“Meaning to say, the ability to interoperate with like-minded countries is very important, because it will show that we are in line with a rules-based order, and we follow freedom of navigation,” he said.

Chinese ship altered routes

Robles confirmed the presence of a Chinese gray ship, which was monitored from a distance during the maritime exercises. However, the Chinese vessel immediately changed its route following prompt radio challenges from the Philippine Navy.

The BRP Jose Rizal crew identified a Type 054A Jiangkai-class missile frigate with bow number 574, which loitered at a distance during the execution of a personnel exchange exercise between the US Navy and the Philippine Navy.

“Before our arrival at the rendezvous point, we were able to detect the presence of a Chinese frigate and we immediately challenged them the moment we detected them,” he said.

Robles said the Chinese gray ship was unresponsive at first when challenged by the Philippine Navy.

“Initially they did not respond. But, in the end, with our constant they responded that they are just conducting a normal navigation,” he shared.

Robles said the Chinese vessel remained “at a distance that is actually far enough in order for them not to interfere with the exercise.”

“I don't know if I can comment on that kasi dapat sila talaga ang sumagot niyan but I think it’s enough for us to show that we were able to cooperate and interoperate with countries like Japan and the United States,” Robles said, when asked why China altered its course during the radio challenges.

“There was a time around mid-noon when they actually attempted to maneuver closely, but again we challenged them. And we asked their intent that they alter their course,” he shared.

Show of strong alliance

On the other hand, Lt. Alexander Horvath, US Navy Air Detachment Officer of the USS Shoup, said the recently concluded MMCA showcased his country’s allyship with the Philippines and Japan.

“We are strong allies and we support each other,” he said. “We are really proud to support our allies in the Indo-Pacific and it goes so far for us to build that relationship and get us closer to our goal, which is a free and open Indo-Pacific for all of us.”

In a statement on Friday, AFP Chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. said such exercises are designed to “improve interoperability” and boost joint capabilities among the participating forces.

As the MMCA continues, Brawner also highlighted the “vital improvements” in the military’s coordination, tactics, and shared maritime awareness.

“Every iteration strengthens our capacity to respond to maritime security challenges while reinforcing our collective ability to safeguard our national interests,” said Brawner.