PH conducts 6th maritime cooperative activity with US, Japan, Australia

Metro Manila, Philippines - Naval and air force units from the Philippines, Australia, Japan and the United States conducted its sixth multilateral maritime cooperative activity in Philippine waters on Wednesday, Feb.5.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said the activity affirmed the commitment of Australia, Japan, and the United States to regional security. The exercise took place within the country’s exclusive economic zone.

The AFP participated with the BRP Jose Rizal (FF150) and Philippine Air Force search and rescue (SAR) assets, while allied nations contributed key naval and air assets, including Australia’s HMAS Hobart (DDG39) and P-8A Poseidon, Japan’s JS Akizuki (DD115), and the US Navy’s USS Benfold (DDG65) alongside its own P-8A Poseidon aircraft.

The drills included communication check exercises, maritime domain awareness and contact reporting, division tactics and officer of the watch maneuver, photo exercise, and anti-submarine warfare training.

“This exercise reflects our shared commitment to regional stability, ensuring safe navigation while adhering to international law,” said AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner.

Brawner said the exercises uphold the principles of freedom of navigation, overflight, and the lawful use of international waters and airspace, in line with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.