Philippines, Australia, US complete naval exercises in West Philippine Sea

The Philippines’ Teresa Magbanua sails with the United States’ Santa Barbara and Australia’s Supply during the 19th multilateral maritime cooperative activity in the West Philippine Sea on Tuesday.

Philippine Navy

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines, the United States and Australia have completed a week-long naval exercise in the West Philippine Sea aimed at enhancing interoperability and operational coordination.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced yesterday the closing on Tuesday of the 19th Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity with the US Pacific Command and the Australian Defense Force. The 19th MMCA began on Aug. 19.

“A one-week activity successfully enhanced maritime interoperability and operational coordination among the participating forces through a series of complex maritime and air operations designed to strengthen their capability to operate seamlessly together in support for a free, open and secure Indo-Pacific,” the AFP said.

The Philippine Navy, during the exercise, deployed the BRP Diego Silang and an AW109 helicopter while the Philippine Air Force fielded FA-50 fighter jet, a C-208B utility aircraft and a Sokol Search and Rescue helicopter.

The Philippine Coast Guard’s  BRP Teresa Magbanua took part in the exercise.

The US deployed the USS Santa Barbara and P-8A Poseidon aircraft for the MCA, while Australia sent the HMAS Supply along with an MH-60R helicopter and a P-8A aircraft.

Palace backs Gibo

Meanwhile, Malacañang has reaffirmed Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro’s call on Filipino officials not to allow themselves to be used by another country just so they could stay in power.

On Tuesday, Teodoro said some elected officials wishing to cling to power may be receiving support from China.

While stressing that the matter needs a more thorough investigation, Palace press officer Claire Castro cited a study by a University of Santo Tomas student on a Chinese-linked social media network engaged in propagating anti-Philippines and pro-Duterte content. –  Helen Flores