PH, US hold drills off Manila, Bataan
The Philippines and the United States completed on Friday a maritime exercise in Manila Bay and Mariveles, Bataan, involving the Navy’s missile frigate BRP Antonio Luna, BRP Gabriela Silang of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), flagship of the US Seventh Fleet.
The exercise, known as Bilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) 26-3.1, was aimed at improving coordination among participating forces and strengthening readiness for maritime security and response operations in Philippine waters, according to Armed Forces of the Philippines public affairs chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad.
During the exercise itself, the participating warships’ crews and support units conducted communications checks, coordinated maneuvers and photo opportunities to document interoperability procedures.
Before the exercise, the Blue Ridge’s crew was allowed liberty during the official port call from March 16 to March 20, according to the ship’s Public Affairs Office. More than 100 Filipino American seamen are believed to be serving on the warship.
The Blue Ridge, the US’ largest forward-deployed command ship, last visited the country in June 2024, five years after the warship’s earlier visit in March 2019.
“Our sailors are grateful for the hospitality shown during our visit and for the opportunity to experience Filipino culture,” said Blue Ridge commander, Capt. Louis Catalina IV. “Engagements like this strengthen the enduring partnership between our nations and reinforce our shared commitment to peace, security and stability in the Indo-Pacific.”
During the visit, Vice Adm. Patrick Hannifin, the Seventh Fleet commander, also met aboard the warship with Navy flag officer in command Vice Adm. Jose Maria Ambrosio Ezpeleta, Navy Rear Adm. Anthony Orbe and Coast Guard chief Adm. Ronnie Gavan.
Hannifin laid a wreath at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial in Taguig City, the resting place of almost 17,000 American soldiers and Philippine Scouts who were slain during World War II.
“The US, along with our allies and partners, upholds the right to freedom of navigation and overflight and other lawful uses of the sea and international airspace,” the US Seventh Fleet said in a statement on Friday.
“These exercises are conducted in a manner consistent with international law and with due regard to the safety, navigational rights and freedoms of all nations,” it added.
Multilateral drills
The AFP has conducted similar exercises with international partners in previous years to enhance readiness and strengthen defense ties.
The exercise follows a bilateral MCA conducted in late January 2026 in the West Philippine Sea. It is the 11th bilateral MCA and the first engagement of 2026 between Filipino and American naval and air forces.
“The successful conduct of the MCA reflected the continuing commitment of the Philippines and the United States to strengthen coordination and cooperation in promoting regional maritime security, stability, and adherence to international law,” Trinidad said in a statement on Saturday.
Philippine assets involved in the exercise included the frigate BRP Antonio Luna (FFG-15), two A-29B Super Tucano aircraft, a C-208B transport plane and a Sokol search and rescue helicopter, along with the Coast Guard’s BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV 8301).
