The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has confirmed the successful completion of the third bilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) conducted jointly with the United States in the West Philippine Sea.The exercise took place from May 26 to 30 in waters around Bajo de Masinloc, also known internationally as Scarborough Shoal.

According to the AFP, the activity involved coordinated naval and air operations aimed at strengthening interoperability between Philippine and US forces.Participating units included assets from the AFP, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and the US Indo-Pacific Command.

The Philippine side deployed the guided-missile frigate BRP Antonio Luna (FFG-15), FA-50 light fighter jets, a naval AW-109 helicopter, and a W-3A Sokol helicopter.The PCG also sent the multi-role response vessel BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV-9702).On the US side, the US Coast Guard cutter USCGC Midgett (WMSL-757) and an MH-65 helicopter were involved.

Throughout the five-day exercise, both forces carried out a series of maritime drills including search and rescue operations, visit-board-search-seizure procedures, maritime law enforcement training, communication drills, and vertical replenishment exercises.They also conducted rotary wing deck landing qualifications to enhance operational readiness at sea.The AFP noted that this was the third MCA between the two allies, following earlier exercises held in January and March of the same year.

Officials emphasised that the activity reflects the continued commitment of both countries to deepen defence cooperation, improve maritime domain awareness, and support a rules-based international order in the region amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in the West Philippine Sea.