Ched Rick Gatchalian

A U.S. P-8A Poseidon conducts maritime surveillance operations as BRP Jose Rizal (FF150) and USS Rafael Peralta (DDG-115) sail in close coordination. Photo from USINDOPACOM

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AFP, US Indo-Pacific Command hold joint bilateral maritime drills in West Philippine Sea

ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1765447524469viber_image_2025-12-11_17-16-32-775.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>A U.S. P-8A Poseidon conducts maritime surveillance operations as BRP Jose Rizal (FF150) and USS Rafael Peralta (DDG-115) sail in close coordination. Photo from USINDOPACOM</div>MANILA – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the United States Indo-Pacific Command held their 9th Bilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity in the West Philippine Sea on December 9 and 10.The two sides demonstrated operational competence and highlighted their shared commitment to safeguarding regional stability, the Philippine military said in a statement Thursday.The AFP said the MCA &quot;reaffirms the enduring defense partnership between the Philippines and the United States.&quot;In the latest round of maritime drills, military personnel from both forces were given the chance to enhance interoperability and cooperation.The AFP deployed the BRP Jose Rizal (FF150), three FA-50 fighter jets, three A-29B Super Tucano aircraft, one PAF Black Hawk, and one Sokol helicopter during the drill.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/12/8/afp-says-cost-efficient-super-tucano-aircraft-vital-for-territorial-defense-1212">AFP says ‘cost-efficient’ Super Tucano aircraft vital for territorial defense</a></div>&quot;These assets demonstrated the Philippines’ expanding operational readiness and its growing ability to integrate with allied forces in complex maritime scenarios,&quot; the AFP said.The US military meanwhile used the USS Rafael Peralta (DDG-115), MH-60R Seahawk helicopters, and a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft.The 9th bilateral MCA also included activities like Division Tactics (DIVTACS), complex ship maneuvering exercises, Night Steaming in Company (NSIC), fly by or low pass of aircrafts, &quot;intercept and escort&quot; exercise of US P-8A by the PAF&#x27;s FA50.&quot;These activities sharpened coordination,&quot; the AFP said.The AFP added that the bilateral MCA between the Philippines and U.S. represent the strong and growing alliance between the two nations. <div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/2/6/us-defense-chief-reaffirms-ironclad-commitment-to-ph-on-mutual-defense-1359">US defense chief reaffirms &#x27;ironclad&#x27; commitment to PH on mutual defense</a></div>&quot;It reinforces shared commitments to maritime security, freedom of navigation, and a peaceful, stable Indo-Pacific region where the rights of all nations—big or small—are upheld,&quot; AFP stressed.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the United States Indo-Pacific Command held their 9th Bilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity in the West Philippine Sea on December 9 and 10.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the United States Indo-Pacific Command held their 9th Bilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity in the West Philippine Sea on December 9 and 10.

PH, US hold joint bilateral maritime drills in West PH Sea

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PH, US hold joint bilateral maritime drills in West PH Sea

Ched Rick Gatchalian,

ABS-CBN News

Published Dec 11, 2025 06:13 PM PHT

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Armed Forces of the Philippines

AFP

United States Indo-Pacific Command

Bilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity

MCA

Security

Defense

West Philippine Sea

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