USS Benfold (DDG65) maneuvers ahead of BRP Jose Rizal (FF150) during the 6th MMCA held in the West Philippine Sea on February 5. PFC Carmelotes 

MANILA — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said Thursday it successfully completed joint maritime drills with Japan, Australia and the United States despite the presence of Chinese navy vessels.

The AFP said the sixth multilateral maritime cooperative activity (MMCA) was conducted in the West Philippine Sea on Wednesday.

“PLA (People's Liberation Army) Navy vessels were monitored operating at a distance, but they did not interfere with the MMCA. The exercise proceeded smoothly, and we are pleased with the positive outcomes and the cooperation shown by all participants,” AFP Public Affairs Office chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad said.

He added that the safety of the participating personnel and vessels was prioritized.

“Established protocols were strictly adhered to, ensuring a safe and professional environment,” he said in a statement.

Philippine Navy personnel aboard BRP Jose Rizal (FF150) perform a torpedo drill exercise during the 6th MMCA held in the West Philippine Sea on February 5. PFC Carmelotes 

During the MMCA, the AFP deployed the BRP Jose Rizal and the Philippine Air Force’s search and rescue assets.

Australia deployed its HMAS Hobart (DDG39) and P-8A Poseidon, while Japan dispatched its JS Akizuki (DD115). The United States, meanwhile, participated with its USS Benfold (DDG65) and P-8A Poseidon.

The AFP said the MMCA featured a series of operational exercises designed to enhance coordination and interoperability among the participating naval and air force units. These include communication check exercises (COMMEX), maritime domain awareness (MDA) and contact reporting, division tactics and officer of the watch maneuver, photo exercise, and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) exercises.

“The MMCA reaffirms the critical role of collaboration in ensuring peace, stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region. It also strengthens the bonds among partner nations dedicated to upholding mutual prosperity and maintaining a rules-based international order,” the military said in a separate statement.

P-8A Poseidon flies over the BRP Jose Rizal (FF150), USS Benfold (DDG65), HMAS Hobart (DDG39), and JS Akizuki (DD115) during the 6th MMCA held in the West Philippine Sea on February 5. Royal Australian Navy 

AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said the MMCA reflected  the shared commitment of the nations involved in upholding the principles of freedom of navigation, overflight, and lawful use of the sea and international airspace, as outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

“This activity demonstrates the strong cooperation and interoperability among our nations’ armed forces. Conducted in accordance with international law, the MMCA ensures safe navigation while respecting the rights and interests of all states,” the AFP quoted Brawner as saying.