MANILA, Philippines- Nagsagawa ang navies ng Pilipinas at ng Japan nitong weekend ng ikalawang bilateral maritime cooperative activity (MCA), kasunod ng ratipikasyon ng Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) na tinintahan ng dalawang bansa noong July 2024.
Kabilang sa MCA ang communication checks, anti-submarine warfare, cross-deck exercises, division tactics at officer of the watch maneuvers (DIVTACS/OOW), photo exercises, at Finish exercise (FINEX) sa pagitan ng Philippine Navy, Philippine Air Force at ng Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).
Kabilang sa mga kalahok sa pinakabagong MCA ang guided missile frigate BRP Miguel Malvar, ang assigned AW159 anti-submarine helicopter nito, PAF C-208 ISR aircraft, at search and rescue units. Nag-deploy naman ang Japan ng destroyer JS Takanami at SH-60K Seahawk helicopter nito.
“This cooperative activity is more than a display of maritime capability — it is a manifestation of our enduring commitment to uphold peace, stability, and a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific,” pahayag ni Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff General Romeo Brawner Jr. nitong Linggo.
“With the RAA now in effect, our coordination with Japan will only grow stronger and more responsive to the complex demands of our shared environment,” dagdag niya.
Ang RAA ay nilagdaan nina Japanese Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko at Philippine Defense Secretary Gilbero Teodoro Jr. noong Hulyo, nilalayong paigtingin ang defense cooperation sa pagitan ng dalawang bansa sa gitna ng umiigting na tensyon sa South China Sea. RNT/SA
