PH, Australia, US hold 14th joint maritime drill in WPS

By Priam Nepomuceno, Philippine News Agency

ALLIED FORCES. Guided missile frigate, BRP Diego Silang (FFG-7), USS Dewey (DDG-105), HMAS Toowoomba (FFH-156), and the BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV-9701) execute photo exercises and joint patrols during the 14th multilateral maritime cooperative activity with the Philippines, Australia, and the United States on Monday (Feb. 16, 2026) in the West Philippine Sea. The MMCA, the first this year and took place from Feb. 15 to 16, underscores a shared, multinational resolve to strengthen interoperability, and the freedom of navigation and overflight under international law. (Photo: Armed Forces of the Philippines/Facebook)

MANILA – Naval and air units from the Philippines, Australia, and the United States completed the 14th multilateral maritime cooperative activity (MMCA) in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said on Tuesday.

The MMCA, the first for this year, took place from Feb. 15 to 16, underscoring a shared and multinational resolve to strengthen interoperability and freedom of navigation and overflight under international law.

“The two-day exercise, spanning the waters of the WPS reinforces the continuity of multilateral cooperation and reflects the participating nations’ sustained commitment to strengthening maritime security in the region,” the AFP said in a statement.

The AFP, Australian Defense Force (ADF), and the United States Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) joined the activity.

“Philippine forces deployed a robust mix of air and naval capabilities, including the Philippine Navy’s BRP Diego Silang (FFG-7), AW-109 helicopter; Philippine Air Force’s FA-50 fighter jets, A-29 ‘Super Tucano’, C-208B, and a ‘Sokol’ search and rescue helicopter,” the military said.

Likewise, the Philippine Coast Guard also participated with BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV-9701).

Meanwhile, the ADF had deployed HMAS Toowoomba (FFH-156) with an embarked MH-60R helicopter and a P-8A “Poseidon” maritime patrol aircraft.

The US INDOPACOM sent USS Dewey (DDG-105) alongside a P-8A. The 14th MMCA’s exercise serials built upon previous engagements to further enhance operational cohesion.

“Activities included a communication exercise to refine coordination procedures; maritime domain awareness events to strengthen shared situational understanding; and division Tactics to advance maneuvering proficiency. A photo exercise, replenishment at sea, and a concluding ‘hotwash’ supported transparency, improved logistics coordination, and captured key operational insights for future joint activities,” the AFP said.

No untoward incidents

As this developed, AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said the 14th MMCA concluded successfully with no untoward incidents despite the reported presence of People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels.

“While there were reports of foreign vessels observed at a distance, there were no untoward incidents and no interference with the conduct of the exercise. All participating units were able to complete their training objectives safely and professionally,” she added.

Padilla said these “observed” PLAN ships remained outside the designated exercise box and the immediate training area.

“Our forces maintained focus, adhered to established protocols, and ensured that all activities proceeded without disruption,” she added.

Padilla said the AFP remains committed to conducting lawful exercises within our maritime domain, in accordance with international law, while maintaining professionalism at all times.