Philippines, Japan, US conclude West Philippine Sea drills

MANILA, Philippines — Naval forces of the Philippines, Japan and the United States concluded on Saturday a multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) in the West Philippine Sea aimed at strengthening logistics, maritime security, and emergency-response coordination.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) and United States Pacific Command (USPACOM) participated in the 22nd Philippines-Japan-United States MCA from Oct. 19 to 24, where they conducted communications exercise, division tactics, photo exercise, deck landing qualification and vertical replenishment, maritime domain awareness and search and rescue serials.

The AFP participated with BRP Miguel Malvar, an AW109 helicopter, a C-208B aircraft and a SAR aircraft, while the Philippine Coast Guard fielded BRP Gabriela Silang.

The USPACOM mobilized USCGC Bertholf and an MH-65 helicopter, while the JMSDF deployed JS Kirisame and an SH-60K helicopter.

As the 14th MCA of 2026, the activity expanded capabilities at sea by incorporating and refining shared specialized procedures and maritime doctrines.