Marilyn Cahatol

Article (news)

Michael Delizo

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1769497704180519642089_1194593862707713_7965010760156841193_n.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left"><em>U.S. Embassy in the Philippines/Facebook</em></span></span></span></div><p>MANILA — Philippine and American forces have kicked off this year’s engagement with the conduct of a Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) in the China-seized Scarborough Shoal, also known as Bajo de Masinloc, in the West Philippine Sea.</p><p>The activity, participated in by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the United States Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) from January 25 to 26, highlights the forces’ “shared commitment to strengthening maritime security, enhancing operational interoperability, and upholding a rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific region,” said AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla.</p><p>For the activity, the AFP deployed BRP Antonio Luna (FF151), PAF&#x27;s FA50, an A-29 Super Tucano aircraft, and an AW109 helicopter, with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) contributing BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV 8301).</p><p>Meanwhile, USINDOPACOM fielded USS John Finn (DDG 113) and an MH-60R Seahawk helicopter.</p><p>Participating units conducted a series of combined naval and air operations, including Replenishment at Sea (RAS) Stationing, Replenishment-at-Sea Approach (RASAP), Surface Warfare Exercise (SUWEX), Night Steaming in Company (NSIC), Photo Exercise (PHOTOEX), and Passing Exercise (PASSEX).</p><p>“The MCA reinforces the AFP&#x27;s commitment to a rules-based international order and contributes directly to improving the country&#x27;s ability to monitor, respond to, and secure our maritime domain, particularly in the West Philippine Sea,” Padilla said.</p><p>“It also advances the Philippines&#x27; defense posture by providing realistic training, improving joint operational readiness, and promoting regional peace, stability, and cooperation. Combined naval and air exercises enhance coordination and readiness, strengthening both forces&#x27; ability to address maritime challenges and contribute to regional peace and stability,” she said. </p><p>Philippine Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad noted the presence of China during the drills.</p><p>“There was one monitored PLA Navy within the exercise box. It did not conduct any aggressive or coercive action,” Trinidad said.</p><p>“Hindi naka-affect ang presence ng PLA Navy sa lahat na activities ng bilateral MCA.”</p><p>(The presence of the PLA Navy did not affect any of the activities of the bilateral MCA.)</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/1/20/ph-domain-awareness-flight-detects-chinese-vessels-in-bajo-de-masinloc-1751">PH domain awareness flight detects Chinese vessels in Bajo de Masinloc</a></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO:</strong></div><div style="text-align:center"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/izZogL1u4c4?si=ArM_dxak4HqxM01k" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div> </div>

<p>Philippine and American forces have kicked off this year’s engagements with a Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) in the China-seized Scarborough Shoal, also known as Bajo de Masinloc, in the West Philippine Sea.</p>

Philippine and American forces have kicked off this year’s engagements with a Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) in the China-seized Scarborough Shoal, also known as Bajo de Masinloc, in the West Philippine Sea.

PH, US kick off 2026 engagements with joint maritime activity in Scarborough Shoal

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PH, US kick off 2026 engagements with joint maritime activity in Scarborough Shoal

Michael Delizo,

ABS-CBN News

Published January 27, 2026 03:16 PM PHT

Read More:

Maritime Cooperative Activity

AFP

USINDOPACOM

China

Scarborough Shoal

Bajo de Masinloc

West Philippine Sea

South China Sea

maritime

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