In a display of unity and cooperation, the sixth Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA) was successfully conducted in the West Philippine Sea on February 5, 2025. The event, which took place in the country’s exclusive economic zone, underscored the robust defense relationships among the Philippines, Australia, Japan, and the United States, according to Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr.
The MMCA, held in compliance with international law, showcased the seamless coordination and interoperability of the participating nations’ military forces. It emphasized their collective dedication to ensuring safe navigation and respecting the rights and interests of all states, as articulated by Brawner. The exercise also highlighted the commitment to the principles of freedom of navigation, overflight, and other lawful uses of the sea and international airspace, as enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
The Philippines contributed the guided-missile frigate BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) and Philippine Air Force search-and-rescue assets. Australia’s participation included the air warfare destroyer HMAS Hobart (DDG-39) and a P-8A Poseidon aircraft, while Japan deployed the destroyer JS Akizuki (DD-115). The United States was represented by the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Benfold (DDG-65) and another P-8A Poseidon.
The MMCA not only reaffirmed the importance of collaboration in maintaining peace, stability, and security in the Indo-Pacific region but also reinforced the bonds among the partner nations committed to mutual prosperity and a rules-based international order. The exercise included a range of operational drills such as communication checks, maritime domain awareness, division tactics, officer of the watch maneuvers, photo exercises, and anti-submarine warfare exercises, as detailed by AFP public affairs office chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad.
All objectives of the sixth MMCA were achieved, with safety being the top priority throughout the exercise. Despite the presence of Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy vessels at a distance, the MMCA proceeded without interference in the Northern Luzon Command’s joint operational area, south of Bajo de Masinloc. Trinidad expressed satisfaction with the smooth execution and positive outcomes of the exercise, highlighting the exemplary cooperation among all participants.