WARSHIPS and aircraft from the United States, Australia, Canada, and the Philippines conducted anti-submarine and other exercises in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), under the 10th Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA) on Tuesday and Wednesday.
The drills were held in the waters off Palauig and San Antonio towns in Zambales. These areas are fronting the Scarborough Shoal, also known as Bajo de Masinloc, a rich fishing ground some 124 nautical miles from mainland Zambales. China gained control of the shoal in 2012 after a standoff with Philippine government ships. Since then, the Chinese have prevented Filipinos from fishing inside the shoal’s lagoon.
For the two-day MMCA, the Philippine military deployed the guided missile frigate BRP Jose Rizal, an AW-159 anti-submarine helicopter, search and rescue Sokol helicopter, and a C-208B surveillance aircraft.
Australia deployed the destroyer HMAS Brisbane and a P-8A Poseidon patrol and reconnaissance aircraft while Canada sent frigate HMCS Ville de Quebéc and a multi-role CH-148 Cyclone helicopter. The US deployed a P-8A Poseidon aircraft.
In a statement, the Armed Forces said the participating warships and aircraft conducted coordinated anti-submarine warfare exercise that “enhanced detection and tracking capabilities.”
They also conducted a Photo Exercise, Vertical Replenishment, Personnel Exchange, and Passing Exercise.
Armed Forces chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr cited the importance of the MMCA which was conducted a few days before the conclusion of “Exercise Alon 2025” between the Philippines and Australia.
Navy spokesman for the West Philippine Sea spokesman Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad said two Chinese warships — a destroyer and a frigate — were monitored near the exercise area.
Earlier, China’s Southern Theater Command said it conducted “routine patrol” in the South China Sea last Wednesday while accusing the Philippines of undermining peace and stability through joint patrols with other countries.
“They were observed following the international task group and were not conducting any surface serials or synchronized movement that would generally indicate a joint patrol contrary to publications by the Southern Theater Command,” he said.
“Such messages are part of their malign influence operations to justify their illegal presence in the country’s EEZ (exclusive economic zone),” he added.
