PH, Australian naval, air units take part in Maritime Cooperative Activity

Naval and air assets of the Philippine Armed Forces and the Australian Defense Force (ADF) carried out activities in the Philippines' exclusive economic zone that were part of the inaugural Maritime Cooperative Activity, the AFP said on Sunday.

The Maritime Cooperative Activity or MAC was designed to enhance bilateral interoperability in maritime security and domain awareness; test doctrines, existing protocols, and enhance efficiency; and foster closer cooperation between the Philippine and Australian armed forces.

The MAC is set to run from Saturday-November 25 to Monday-November 27.

Among the naval units that participated in Saturday's MAC exercises were the Philippine Navy vessels BRP Gregorio del Pilar and BRP Davao Del Sur, and the Royal Australian Navy frigate HMAS Toowoomba.

Two Philippine Air Force A29 Super Tucano turboprop light attack aircraft also participated in the exercise.

Five PAF surveillance aircraft and a Royal Australian Air Force P-8A maritime surveillance aircraft were also expected to join in on the MAC.

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese signed a Strategic Partnership in September in Malacañang, establishing a framework for closer cooperation.

"The Maritime Cooperative Activity highlights our shared commitment to exercising freedom of navigation and overflight consistent with international law, in support of a peaceful, secure, and stable Indo-Pacific," the countries said in a joint statement. — DVM, GMA Integrated News