PH, Japan hold 1st maritime cooperative activity in WPS

NAVAL VESSELS from the Philippines and Japan held their first bilateral maritime cooperative activity (MCA) in the West Philippine Sea on Friday.

In a statement, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad said the MCA is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen regional and international cooperation toward realizing a free and open Indo-Pacific.

The AFP, through the Philippine Navy (PN), deployed the missile frigate BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) while the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) sent its destroyer JS Sazanami (DD-113) for the activity.

"The types of exercises conducted during the MCA included a communications exercise (COMMEX), tactical maneuvering, and a photographic exercise (PHOTOEX)," Trinidad said.

He said the exercise enhanced the tactical capabilities of the PN and the JMSDF and reinforced the strong ties and mutual commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the region.

"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," Trinidad said. (Priam Nepomuceno)