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A flotilla composed of ships and aircraft from the Philippines, United States and Japan recently conducted the 22nd Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA) in the West Philippine Sea from 19 to 24 October 2026.
A statement from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said the Philippine Navy and Philippine Coast Guard were joined by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) and United States Pacific Command (USPACOM) in the activity.
The Philippine side was represented by the guided missile frigate BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG6), an AW109 helicopter, a C-208B aircraft, and a search-and-rescue (SAR) aircraft, while the Philippine Coast Guard fielded BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV 8301).
The USPACOM sent the cutter USCGC Bertholf and an MH-65 helicopter, while the JMSDF deployed the guided missile destroyer JS Kirisame and an SH-60K helicopter.
The AFP said the participants conducted Communications Exercise (COMMEX), Division Tactics (DIVTACS), Photo Exercise (PHOTOEX), Deck Landing Qualification and Vertical Replenishment (DLQ/VERTREP), Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) and Search and Rescue (SAR) serials to strengthen logistics, maritime-security, and emergency-response coordination.
It added that, “the successful conduct 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. —RF, GMA News