Philippine, Canada and United States forces held the second Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA) in the West Philippine Sea this year.

In a statement, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., said the MMCA was held at the joint operational area of Northern Luzon Command within the exclusive economic zone of the country in the West Philippine Sea on Wednesday.

"Naval and air force units of participating nations will operate together to enhance cooperation and interoperability among the armed forces," he said.

"The activity will be conducted in a manner consistent with international law and with due regard for the safety of navigation, and the rights and interests of other States," he added.

This MMCA, the seventh since 2024, was conducted a week after this year's first MMCA between Philippines, Australia, Japan, and the United States was held last February 5.

"This underscores our shared commitments to upholding the right to freedom of navigation and overflight, other lawful uses of the sea and international airspace, as well as respect for maritime rights under international law, as reflected in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)," Brawner said. Robina Asido/DMS