MANILA, Philippines -- The combined armed and defense forces of the Philippines, Japan and the United States concluded the 11th Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA) in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), demonstrating a collective commitment to strengthen regional and international cooperation for a free and open Indo-Pacific.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said yesterday that the joint activity was conducted in the waters off Magalawa Island, Palauig to Silanguin Island, San Antonio, Zambales from Sept. 11-13 despite the presence of China's three People's Liberation Army Navy vessels monitoring the exercises.
The three nations underscored sustained commitment of three nations to enhancing maritime cooperation, promoting regional security, and supporting rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific.
For the 11th MMCA, the AFP deployed BRP Jose Rizal (FF150), an AW109 anti-submarine helicopter, a Philippine Air Force search and rescue aircraft, a C-208B Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance aircraft, and four FA-50 fighter jets.
The United States contributed the USS John Finn (DDG113), a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft and two MH 60-R helicopters. Japan deployed JS Osumi (LST4001), demonstrating its amphibious capabilities and operational readiness in combined maritime operations.
Key components of the 11th MMCA included a Communications Check Exercise to ensure effective coordination; Maritime Domain Awareness activities; an Anti-Submarine Warfare Exercise; a Cross-Deck Landing Exercise; and Naval Surface Interdiction and Clearance. The exercise also featured Division Tactics/Officer of the Watch maneuvers, a Photo Exercise, Passing Exercise, Search and Rescue Exercise, and a Final Exercise.
"The successful conduct of the MMCA not only enhances the interoperability of the participating forces but also reaffirms the Philippines' steadfast commitment to safeguarding its maritime interests and upholding peace and security in the region," the AFP said.
Nature reserve in Panatag illegal
Sen. Francis Pangilinan yesterday rejected China's reported plan to turn Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal into a "nature reserve," insisting the disputed feature belongs to the Philippines and accusing Beijing of being the one responsible for environmental destruction in the area.
"First, that is not theirs. Under all laws - domestic or international - that is ours. The Philippines has rights over Panatag Shoal (Scarborough Shoal). It is 124 nautical miles (or 220 kilometers) from the nearest Philippine shores, in the province of Zambales," Pangilinan said on Sunday.
"Meanwhile, it is four times farther from the nearest Chinese shore, in Hainan: about 472 nautical miles (or 875 kms). They have long been taking over what is ours, since 2012 they have been there illegally," Pangilinan added.
The senator noted that instead of preserving marine resources, Chinese fishermen have engaged in giant clam harvesting by crushing coral reefs at the shoal. He also pointed to dredging, reclamation, and disruptive activities by Chinese vessels that threaten reef systems and marine life.
"In our estimate, damage to marine ecosystem in our EEZ from Chinese actions has reached billions of pesos yearly," Pangilinan added. -- Neil Jayson Servallos