Palawan, Philippines – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) confirmed the successful conduct of the sixth Bilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) between the military and coast guard forces of the Philippines and the United States in the waters off Palawan and Occidental Mindoro.
This marks the first time the United States Coast Guard (USCG) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) jointly participated in a Maritime Cooperative Activity, demonstrating an enhanced level of whole-of-nation cooperation in strengthening maritime security.
The joint activity was conducted through the coordination of the US Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM), Philippine Coast Guard, US Coast Guard, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Philippine assets deployed during the operation included:
- Philippine Navy: BRP Ramon Alcaraz, BRP Domingo Deluana, and an AW109 naval helicopter
- Philippine Air Force: Super Tucano aircraft and Sokol helicopters
- Philippine Coast Guard: BRP Melchora Aquino and BRP Malapascua
These exercises aim to further enhance the surveillance and operational coordination capabilities of both nations.
AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr. emphasized the importance of joint maritime operations, particularly amid growing challenges in the West Philippine Sea.
“As the Philippines continues to confront evolving maritime issues, joint activities like the MCA affirm the AFP’s commitment to modernizing our capabilities and strengthening defense alliances to protect national and regional maritime interests,” Brawner said.
