The Philippines, Japan, and the United States completed the 11th Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA) in the West Philippine Sea from September 11 to 13, strengthening regional cooperation for a free and open Indo-Pacific.
The joint exercise involved various naval vessels and aircraft, including the Philippines’ BRP Jose Rizal and Japan’s JS Osumi, conducting drills such as anti-submarine warfare and search and rescue.
Despite Chinese naval vessels monitoring the exercises, the three countries reaffirmed their commitment to maritime security and a rules-based international order.
Meanwhile, Senator Francis Pangilinan rejected China’s plan to declare Panatag Shoal a nature reserve, asserting it belongs to the Philippines and criticizing China for environmental damage in the area.
Pangilinan accused Chinese fishermen of destructive practices like coral reef crushing and clam harvesting, causing billions of pesos in damage to the marine ecosystem within the Philippine exclusive economic zone.
Source: PhilNews24 | September 15, 2025
