AFP and US Indo-Pacific Command Sail Together
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the United States Indo-Pacific Command (Indopacom) recently completed their seventh joint maritime exercise in the West Philippine Sea. This significant cooperative activity highlights their shared commitment to deepening cooperation and enhancing interoperability to maintain peace and security in these contested waters.
The seventh bilateral maritime cooperative activity (MCA) took place on June 4, off the coasts of Occidental Mindoro and Zambales. “The MCA is a demonstration of both nations’ resolve to deepen cooperation and enhance interoperability in line with international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS),” a senior AFP official said. He added that as regional dynamics shift, working together remains essential to protect stability and uphold a rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific.
BRP Miguel Malvar’s Maiden Operational Deployment
A key highlight was the first operational deployment of the BRP Miguel Malvar, the Philippine Navy’s newest guided missile frigate, commissioned just last month. The exercise allowed the AFP to evaluate the vessel’s capabilities in a multinational setting and test its readiness to operate alongside allied forces. This reassures the ship’s crucial role in boosting the Philippines’ maritime defense.
Additionally, a fire support rehearsal was conducted with the US 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment stationed in Subic. This exercise tested coordination among forward observers, command elements, and fire support units in a littoral combat environment, ensuring smooth and effective maritime operations.
Comprehensive Exercises Boost Interoperability
Other drills included Communications Check Exercises (COMMEX), Division Tactics, Officer of the Watch Maneuvers (DIVTACS/OOW), Photo Exercises (PHOTOEX), and a Final Exercise (FINEX). These activities improved joint maritime domain awareness and targeting reconnaissance, sharpening mutual operational effectiveness.
Beyond defense, the MCA also supported capacity building and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR) readiness. Personnel and assets from the Philippine Air Force Search and Rescue Group and the Philippine Coast Guard’s BRP Cabra participated, broadening the scope of the cooperation.
Maritime Patrols in Kalayaan Island Group
The AFP also carried out maritime patrols in Parola Island (Northeast Cay) and Likas Island (West York), two of the nine Philippine-occupied features in the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG). This operation, conducted from June 4 to 7, aimed to reinforce the country’s sovereign rights over its maritime territories.
While aboard the BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS17), AFP personnel maintained direct communication with the Parola detachment to coordinate updates, assess on-ground conditions, and show support to troops stationed in this remote outpost.
Advancing Bilateral Defense Cooperation
At Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, AFP Vice Chief of Staff Lt. Gen Jimmy D. Larida met with General Randall Reed of the United States Transportation Command. Their discussions emphasized advancing logistics cooperation and regional security, focusing on improving military transport interoperability under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).
They also explored boosting maritime domain awareness and strengthening cyber defense capabilities to meet evolving security challenges. Currently, the Philippines hosts nine EDCA sites, with four newly approved locations added in 2023 to enhance mutual defense readiness.
These ongoing efforts between the AFP and US Indo-Pacific Command underscore the commitment to a secure and stable Indo-Pacific region.
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