MARITIME EXERCISE. Three navy vessels of the United States, Japan and Australia are seen from BRP Antonio Luna during quadrilateral exercises in the West Philippine Sea on April 7, 2024. The Armed Forces of the Philippines announced on Saturday (Sept. 28) that New Zealand will be the fifth country in the fourth multilateral maritime cooperative activity in the WPS. (Photo courtesy of BRP Antonio Luna)
MANILA – New Zealand will be joining the Philippines, the United States, Japan, and Australia in the fourth multilateral maritime cooperative activity (MMCA) in the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) on Saturday.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said the fourth MMCA will demonstrate the five states’ collective commitment to strengthen regional and international cooperation towards a free and open Indo-Pacific.
The AFP did not provide further details on the location and military assets deployed.
“The naval and air force units of participating nations will operate together, enhancing cooperation and interoperability between our armed forces,” it said.
“The activity will be conducted in a manner consistent with international law and with due regard to the safety of navigation and the rights and interests of other States.”
The AFP said the joint sail underscores the countries’ commitments to upholding the right to freedom of navigation and overflight, lawful uses of the sea and international airspace, as well as respect for maritime rights under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
The first multilateral MMCA, composed of the US, Japan, Australia and the Philippines, was held within the country’s EEZ in the West Philippine Sea in April.
This was followed by the second and third sails joined by the Royal Canadian Navy in June and August, respectively.
Japan, PH drills
Also on Saturday, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) announced the upcoming 2024 Doshin-Bayanihan joint training exercise with the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) on Oct. 2 to 6.
Over 150 participants from the PAF and JASDF will join the drills at Brig. Gen. Benito N. Ebuen Air Base in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu to deepen cooperation in the area of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response.
The exercise will cover simulated airdrop flight training, load/offload training, aeromedical evacuation exercises and subject matter expert exchanges.
Both forces will also deploy one C-130 Cargo Aircraft each.
“Doshin-Bayanihan is a testament to the growing bilateral relationship between the Philippines and Japan,” the PAF said. “By working together, the PAF and JASDF are demonstrating their commitment to peace, security, and the well-being of their respective nations.” (With reports from Priam Nepomuceno/PNA)
