Manila, April 30 (NationPress) The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced on Wednesday that the successful execution of the multilateral maritime cooperative activity (MMCA) in the West Philippine Sea by the AFP, in collaboration with allies United States and Australia, signifies the increasing synergy among partner nations.

According to AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., "The 9th MMCA showcases the strengthening synergy among like-minded nations focused on ensuring peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. These exercises are crucial for enhancing our collective defense capabilities and operational preparedness."

Furthermore, the Philippines emphasized that the MMCA executed by the AFP and its allies posed no provocations.

"The AFP firmly asserts our sovereign rights within our maritime domain. Engaging in joint exercises and maritime awareness operations within our territorial waters and exclusive economic zone is not an act of provocation — it is a step towards preparedness," stated AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla on Wednesday.

This statement follows a critical remark from China, which described the Philippines' joint patrols with its allies as maritime infringement provocations.

"The exercise integrated essential maritime and air resources from the three partner nations, demonstrating a robust commitment to regional security, interoperability, and collaboration in favor of a rules-based international order," the AFP added.

Col. Padilla further articulated that these joint drills are intentional, lawful operations conducted in accordance with international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

"We will evaluate our readiness across all domains — air, land, sea, cyber, information, and the emerging frontier of space — through comprehensive drills that blend tactical precision with strategic insight. To clarify — the Philippines is an independent nation. No external power can dictate how we safeguard our territory or with whom we align in solidarity," Padilla asserted.

In a separate announcement on Tuesday night, Col. Consuelo Castillo, spokesperson for the Philippine Air Force (PAF), revealed that fighter and bomber aircraft from the Philippines and the United States participated in a combined air patrol over the West Philippine Sea as part of the ninth MMCA in collaboration with US Pacific Air Forces (PACAF).

He noted that the operation reinforces "PAF's dedication and operational readiness to uphold the AFP's mission in protecting the nation's territory and sovereign rights while fostering a secure and stable Indo-Pacific Region."