The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), together with the United States Pacific Command and the Australian Defence Force successfully concluded the 19th Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity in the West Philippine Sea from August 19 to 25, 2026.
Philippines deployed the BRP Diego Silang, Philippine Navy AW109 helicopter, Philippine Air Force FA-50 fighter aircrafts, C-208B aircraft, and Sokol Search and Rescue (SAR) helicopter while the PCG deployed its BRP Teresa Magbanua.
The AFP said that throughout the activity, participating forces successfully conducted advanced maritime interoperability exercises, including Communications Exercises
Maritime Domain Awareness Anti-Submarine Warfare Replenishment at Sea Division Tactics (DIVTACS) / Officer of the Watch (OOW) Maneuvers, Photo Exercise (PHOTOEX) and fly-by operations.
The one-week activity successfully enhanced maritime interoperability and operational coordination among the participating forces through a series of complex maritime and air operations designed to strengthen their capability to operate seamlessly together in support for a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific.
According to PCG Spokesperson, Commodore Noemie Cayabyab, the activity improves the PCG’s working relationships and operational familiarity with foreign counterparts, allowing participating forces to coordinate when addressing maritime security and safety challenges.
The United States participated through USS Santa Barbara (LCS-32) and a P-8A Poseidon aircraft, while Australia deployed HMAS Supply (A-195), an MH-60R helicopter, and a P-8A aircraft.