MULING nagsagawa ng Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity ang Armed Forces of the Philippines kasama ang United States, Japan at Canada, isang araw bago naganap ang pagbangga ng barko ng China Coast Guard sa isang resupply ship ng Philippine Navy.

Sa inilabas na pahayag ni Col. Xerxes Trinidad, ang AFP Public Information Office chief, ang Hukbong Sandatahan sa pamamagitan ng Philippine Navy at pakikipag-ugnayan sa U.S. Navy, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, at Royal Canadian Navy, ay nagsagawa ng 2nd multilateral maritime cooperative activity sa West Philippine in the West Philippine Sea noong Hunyo 16, 2024.

Kabilang sa inilunsad na multilateral operation ang AFP’s Gregorio del Pilar-class patrol ship BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS17), ang U.S. Navy Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ralph Johnson (DDG 114), ang Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Murasame-class destroyer JS Kirisame (DD-104), at Royal Canadian Navy Halifax-class frigate HMCS Montreal (FFH 336).

Ayon kay Col. Trinidad, tampok sa nasabing sama-samang pagsasanay ang pangako ng AFP at ng mga kaalyadong bansa na mapanatili ang kapayapaan at kaayusan sa Indo-Pacific region sa pamamagitan ng pinahusay na kooperasyon at interoperability.

“The multilateral maritime cooperative activity with the navies of the United States and Canada, and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force underscores our commitment to regional stability and security. This collaboration enhances our capabilities and interoperability with allies and partners, enabling us to effectively address common maritime challenges and demonstrate our shared dedication to upholding international law and the rules-based international order, as well as ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific,” pahayag ni General Romeo Brawner Jr., Chief of Staff ng AFP.

Subalit sa likod nito ay mas naging matindi ang tensyon sa bahagi ng West Philippine Sea matapos na banggain ng China Coast Guard ang resupply boat ng Navy kung saan ay mayroon umanong ilang sundalo ang nasaktan. (JESSE KABEL RUIZ)