The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the United States ndo-Pacific Command conducted the 8th bilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) on July 16, covering strategic waters from Palauig, Zambales to Cabra Island, Occidental Mindoro.

Participating Philippine Navy assets included the BRP Miguel Malvar , an AW109 helicopter, a C-208B aircraft, and a PAF Search and Rescue aircraft. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) also deployed BRP Cabra and BRP Suluan.

Meanwhile, the United States was represented by the USS Curtis Wilbur and a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft.

The activity featured a range of operational drills and cooperative maneuvers.

These included Communications Exercise to test coordination protocols, followed by Maritime Domain Awareness and Contact Reporting. The Philippine Coast Guard also conducted a Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure operation to demonstrate law enforcement interoperability at sea.

Further exercises involved Division Tactics and Officer of the Watch Maneuvers, which allowed both navies to practice coordinated ship movements and formation sailing.

A Photo Exercise followed with a Finish Exercise that integrated all learned skills in a simulated scenario.

AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. emphasized the strategic value of the cooperative activity, “These maritime engagements demonstrate our commitment to maintaining a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific. The 8th bilateral MCA reinforces both countries’ shared commitment to upholding international law, freedom of navigation, and regional stability.” AFP Public Affairs Office