Three allied nations concluded their latest round of combined naval exercises in the West Philippine Sea last October 24, 2026, marking the completion of the 22nd Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA) after nearly a week of coordinated operations at sea.
According to a press release issued by the AFP Public Affairs Office (PAOAFP), the 22nd MMCA ran from October 19 to 24, 2026, and brought together naval and coast guard assets from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force, and the United States Pacific Command.
Vessels and Aircraft Committed to the Exercise
The AFP deployed BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG6) along with an AW109 helicopter, a C-208B fixed-wing aircraft, and a dedicated search-and-rescue aircraft. The Philippine Coast Guard assigned BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV 8301) to the activity.
The PAOAFP statement noted that the United States Pacific Command contributed USCGC Bertholf and an MH-65 helicopter to the exercise. Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force, meanwhile, dispatched JS Kirisame together with an SH-60K helicopter.
Six Categories of Drills Carried Out
Participating units executed six exercise serials over the course of the activity. These covered a Communications Exercise (COMMEX), Division Tactics (DIVTACS), and a Photo Exercise (PHOTOEX).
The AFP said in its press release — received via Viber on October 25, 2026 — that forces also undertook Deck Landing Qualification and Vertical Replenishment (DLQ/VERTREP), Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) operations, and Search and Rescue (SAR) serials.
AFP Statement on Maritime Cooperation
The PAOAFP said the conclusion of the 22nd MMCA "reaffirmed the Philippines' commitment to strengthening maritime cooperation with Japan and the United States and promoting a free, open, and rules-based maritime environment."
The AFP's statement did not identify individual commanders who oversaw the drills, nor did it describe any specific incidents during the exercises.
Photo credit: Photos by SSg Ambay PA & A1C Castro PAF / AFP Public Affairs Office (PAOAFP)
Source: AFP Public Affairs Office (PAOAFP)