MANILA – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Royal Australian Navy (RAN), Royal Canadian Navy (RCN), and United States Indo-Pacific Command successfully concluded the 10th Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA) held September 2–3 in the West Philippine Sea, off the waters of Palauig to San Antonio, Zambales.

The two-day exercise highlighted the four nations’ defense partnership and commitment to maritime security and regional stability.

Naval and air assets deployed included the Philippines’ BRP Jose Rizal (FF150), supported by an AW159 helicopter, SAR Sokol aircraft, and a C-208B surveillance platform; Australia’s HMAS Brisbane (DDG41) and P-8A Poseidon; Canada’s HMCS Ville de Québec (FFH332) and CH-148 Cyclone; and the US P-8A Poseidon.

Key drills featured a Photo Exercise (PhotoEx), a Vertical Replenishment (VERTREP) to test at-sea logistics, a Personnel Exchange via RHIB between Australian and Philippine sailors, and a Coordinated Anti-Submarine Warfare Exercise (CASEX C2 Reverse). The MMCA concluded with a Passing Exercise (PASSEX) to showcase interoperability.

AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said the activity builds on recent multilateral efforts, including last week’s Exercise Alon.

“Just days after the successful conclusion of Exercise Alon, the 10th MMCA reaffirms our collective resolve to protect our seas and uphold a rules-based international order. We will continue to build on this foundation of trust, proving that we are indeed stronger together,” Brawner said.