June 16, 2025
MANILA – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and its counterpart from Japan conducted another bilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) in the West Philippine Sea on Saturday, following the recently ratified Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) between the two countries.
The AFP said BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG06), an AW159 anti-submarine helicopter, a Philippine Air Force (PAF) C-208 ISR aircraft, and search and rescue units were the assets deployed by the Philippines, while Japan dispatched the JS Takanami (DDG110) and an SH-60K Seahawk helicopter.
Among the exercises conducted during the MCA were a communication check exercise, anti-submarine warfare exercise, cross-deck exercise, division tactics and officer of the watch maneuvers (DIVTACS/OOW), photo exercises (PHOTOEX), and a finish exercise (FINEX), showcasing seamless interoperability between the two forces.
“This cooperative activity is more than a display of maritime capability—it is a manifestation of our enduring commitment to uphold peace, stability, and a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific,” AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo S Brawner Jr. said as quoted in the statement on Sunday.
“With the RAA now in effect, our coordination with Japan will only grow stronger and more responsive to the complex demands of our shared security environment,” he added.
The AFP likewise explained that the MCA “underscored the operationalization of the RAA, an accord that lays the groundwork for increased joint training, humanitarian assistance, and disaster response initiatives between the AFP and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.”
