(UPDATE) THE Philippines, Japan and the US conducted joint naval drills from Sept. 12 to 13 in the waters off Magalawa Island and Palauig to Silanguin Island, San Antonio, Zambales.
The 11th Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity involved the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and the US Indo-Pacific Command.
The AFP deployed BRP Jose Rizal, an anti-submarine helicopter, a Philippine Air Force search and rescue aircraft, a C-208B Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft, and four FA-50 fighter jets.
The US brought in the USS John Finn, a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol plane, and two MH 60-R helicopters, and Japan sent its JS Osumi.
The activities included a communications check exercise, maritime domain awareness activities, an anti-submarine warfare exercise, a cross-deck landing exercise and naval surface interdiction and clearance.
The drills also featured division tactics/officer of the watch maneuvers, a photo exercise, passing exercise, search and rescue exercise (Sarex), and a final exercise.
The AFP said the activities not only boosted interoperability with allies but also underscored the country’s resolve to defend its maritime entitlements in the WPS under international law.
