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PH, Japan conduct 2nd bilateral exercises in WPS

Philippine News Agency

By Priam Nepomuceno
June 15, 2025, 5:59 pm

MANILA -- Filipino military units and their counterparts from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) conducted the second bilateral maritime cooperative activity (MCA) within the West Philippine Sea (WPS) over the weekend, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said Sunday.

AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla, in a message to reporters, said the MCA signifies a major step in defense cooperation under the newly ratified Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) with Japan.

Saturday's MCA was held west of Zambales up to the west-northwest of Occidental Mindoro, within the country's exclusive economic zone. It started 7:52 a.m. and ended 3:02 p.m., Padilla said.

The AFP deployed the newly commissioned guided missile frigate, BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06), and an AW-159 "Wildcat" anti-submarine helicopter.

Also sent to participate were a Philippine Air Force C-208 intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft, along with search-and-rescue units.

Meanwhile, the JMSDF deployed the guided missile destroyer JS Takanami (DDG-110) and an SH-60K "Seahawk" helicopter, showcasing joint maritime capabilities in various operational scenarios.

The bilateral exercises included communications check exercise, anti-submarine warfare exercise, cross-deck exercise, division tactics and officer of the watch maneuvers, photo exercise, and finish exercise, all designed to build mutual operational capabilities and readiness between the two maritime forces.

Padilla said the RAA provides the legal and procedural framework for greater interoperability between the AFP and Japan Self-Defense Force (JSDF), defining a legal status of the visiting force for training, humanitarian operations and logistical support.

She added that the successful conduct of the 2nd bilateral MCA with Japan was a clear demonstration of the RAA in action, deepening defense ties and enabling more complex joint activities.

Meanwhile, two People's Liberation Army Navy vessels -- Luyang III (DDG-161) and Jiangkai II (FFG-579) -- were monitored during the activity. They did not interfere with the MCA.

"There were no reported incidents or close encounters. Both forces maintained a professional and secure operating environment, reinforcing their abilities to coordinate effectively in dynamic maritime settings," Padilla said.

This MCA enhances the AFP's ability to monitor, secure, and respond within its maritime domain. It contributes to improved interoperability, joint operational readiness, and supports the Philippines' efforts to uphold sovereign rights and a rules-based international order, particularly in the WPS.

The AFP and JSDF committed to expanding future MCAs under the framework of the RAA.

The first bilateral MCA with Japan was conducted on Aug. 2, 2024. (PNA)