PH, Japan militaries hold joint drills in West Philippine Sea

The Philippine Navy and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force conducted drills in the West Philippine Sea on Friday, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said.

In a statement, the AFP said the Philippines’ BRP Jose Rizal and Japan’s JS Sazanami were used during their first bilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA), which included communications exercises, tactical maneuvering, and photographic exercises.

“This collaborative exercise enhanced the tactical capabilities of the Philippine Navy and the JMSDF and reinforced the strong ties and mutual commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the region,” the AFP said.

“The JMSDF and the PN are dedicated to promoting security and stability in the Indo-Pacific, demonstrating their shared commitment to upholding a rules-based international order,” it added.

Photo: ARMED FORCES OF THE PHILIPPINES

On Wednesday, the Philippines and United States navies conducted a joint maritime exercise in the WPS.

"These joint exercises with our ally are crucial in enhancing our naval capabilities and ensuring that we can effectively collaborate to safeguard our maritime interests," AFP chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. said in a statement.

Philippine Navy spokesperson for WPS Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said that MCAs will be done regularly with like-minded countries.

“MCAs will become a regular activity of the Philippine Navy and other like-minded navies as we continue to develop our own capabilities,” he said. — VBL, GMA Integrated News