QUEZON CITY — Combined defense forces of the Philippines, Japan, and the United States on Friday successfully launched the 5th multilateral maritime exercise in the West Philippine Sea.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said the cooperative activity highlights the commitment of the three nations in strengthening "regional and international cooperation in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific."

Conducted within Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), the AFP said the multilateral maritime exercise focused on improving the interoperability of defense doctrines, tactics, techniques, and procedures among the participating forces.

"The MMCA reaffirms the partners nations' dedication to working closely together to maintain security and stability in the region, promoting a rules-based maritime order and enhancing regional cooperation," the Philippine army stressed in a press release.

The units that joined the activity included the Philippine Navy’s BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS17) and a C-90 aircraft, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s Murasame-class destroyer JS Samidare (DD 106), and the U.S. Navy’s P-8A Poseidon from Patrol Squadron 47.

They teamed up in a couple of coordinated operations, such as communication checks, Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE), pre-sail conference to align operational targets, and photo and division tactics exercises.