(June 15, 2025) – Philippine military forces and Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force on Sunday conducted their second bilateral maritime cooperative activity (MCA) in the West Philippine Sea.
According to Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla, the joint exercise marked a significant step in defense cooperation between the two countries under the recently ratified Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA).
“More than a maritime drill, the MCA underscored the operationalization of the RAA—an accord that lays the groundwork for increased joint training, humanitarian assistance, and disaster response initiatives between the AFP and Japan,” said the AFP in a statement.
The maritime drills started on Saturday in waters west of Zambales and extending to the west-northwest of Occidental Mindoro, within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.
The AFP deployed its newly commissioned guided missile frigate, BRP Miguel Malvar, a “Wildcat” anti-submarine helicopter, an intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance aircraft from the Philippine Air Force, and search-and-rescue units.
Japan, meanwhile, sent the guided missile destroyer JS Takanami and a “Seahawk” helicopter for the joint operation.
The bilateral exercise featured a range of activities aimed at improving coordination and readiness, including communications checks, anti-submarine warfare drills, cross-deck operations, division tactics, officer of the watch maneuvers, photo exercises, and finish exercises.
During the exercise, two Chinese naval vessels were detected in the area.
AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla noted that they did not disrupt the MCA.
“There were no reported incidents or close encounters. Both forces maintained a professional and secure operating environment, reinforcing their abilities to coordinate effectively in dynamic maritime settings,” said Padilla.
The two forces vowed to hold more joint maritime activities in the future under the RAA. The first bilateral MCA between the Philippines and Japan took place on August 2, 2024.
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