Philippines, allies show unity in joint sea drills

Manila

The Philippines said on Wednesday that recent joint military drills with the United States and Australia in the West Philippine Sea show increasing unity between allied nations. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) called the 9th Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA) a sign of "growing synergy" in the Indo-Pacific.

“These exercises help strengthen our shared defence and improve readiness,” said AFP Chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. He stressed the drills were aimed at peace and security, not confrontation.

AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Padilla responded to China's criticism of the joint patrols, calling the activities lawful and necessary. She said these actions are not meant to provoke, but to show preparedness within the country’s own territory and waters.

China had earlier described the patrols as provocative. But Padilla insisted, “The Philippines is a sovereign state. No foreign power can tell us how to defend our home or who we work with.”

The exercises involved ships and aircraft from the three nations, focusing on coordination and mutual support. Officials said the drills followed international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The Philippine Air Force also joined in, conducting joint air patrols with US Pacific Air Forces. Col. Consuelo Castillo said the patrols support regional safety and show the country’s ability to protect its territory.

The AFP said the MMCA strengthens regional cooperation and helps ensure a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific, as tensions in the region continue to rise.