Philippines, Japan hold anti-submarine drills in West Philippine Sea

MANILA, Philippines — Just days after Japan ratified the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) allowing increased military engagements between the two countries, Philippine and Japanese warships sailed the waters of the West Philippine Sea (WPS) on Friday, showcasing unified naval might in a bilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA).

During the joint exercises, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) utilized an anti-submarine helicopter, the BRP Miguel Malvar, a Philippine Air Force C-208 aircraft and Search and Rescue units.

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) on the other hand deployed the JS Takanami and an SH-60K Seahawk helicopter.

“The 2nd Phl-Japan MCA was held in Philippine waters, specifically west of Zambales up to the west-northwest of Occidental Mindoro, within the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ),” AFP public affairs office chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad told The STAR.

He said the MCA featured key exercise serials such as a communication check, anti-submarine warfare, cross-deck, photo finish exercises as well as a division tactics and officer of the watch maneuvers.

More than a maritime drill, the AFP said the MCA underscored the operationalization of the RAA – an accord that lays the groundwork for increased joint training as well as humanitarian assistance and disaster response initiatives between the AFP and JSDF.

It added that the activity highlighted the deepening trust and coordination between the two allies as they respond to traditional and emerging security challenges in the region.

AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. emphasized the broader strategic significance of the MCA, noting that the “cooperative activity is more than a display of maritime capability – it is a manifestation of our enduring commitment to uphold peace, stability and a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific.”

“With the RAA now in effect, our coordination with Japan will only grow stronger and more responsive to the complex demands of our shared security environment,” he said.

Maritime air patrol

The Aviation Regiment of the Philippine Army has conducted a Maritime Air Patrol (MARPAT) mission over the Philippine Sea last week as part of its maritime domain awareness operations.

Army spokesman Col. Louie Dema-ala said the flight mission was successfully executed utilizing its twin-engine Cessna 421B aircraft.

The patrol covered the archipelagic and territorial seas of Aurora, Isabela and Cagayan provinces to include the EEZ where the Philippine Rise is located.

Dema-ala said the MARPAT mission conducted by the Aviation Regiment is in accordance with the Army’s Land Defense Concept and is aligned with the Department of National Defense’s Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept.

The MARPAT mission at the Philippine Sea was conducted by the Army a day before the country celebrated the 127th Philippine Independence Day to emphasize the important role of the Aviation Regiment in securing the sovereignty of the republic.

Dema-ala said the Aviation Regiment regularly conducts MARPAT missions in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao as part of its operations.

Army chief Lt. General Roy Galido earlier emphasized the need for the Philippine Army to work seamlessly with the Navy and Air Force for the external defense of the country.

“There is always cross-training among the branches of service. This cross-training builds good working relationship which is the very strong foundation for interoperability,” he said.