The Philippines and three allied countries, including Japan, conducted its first Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA) in 2025 following the bilateral air patrol and air intercept training between the Philippine and US air forces in the West Philippine Sea on Tuesday.

In a statement, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said the MMCA is participated by the armed and defense forces of the Philippines, Australia, Japan, and the United States on Wednesday.

"The 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," the AFP chief added.

This is the sixth MMCA held by Philippines and its allies.

Brawner said the participating forces demonstrate "a collective commitment to strengthen regional and international cooperation in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific".

"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)," he said.

The AFP did not provide further details about the activities but Col. Xerxes Trinidad, AFP public affairs chief said the one day exercise within the exclusive economic zone in the West Philippine Sea may last until late afternoon or evening. Robina Asido/DMS