For the first time, a multilateral maritime cooperative activity (MMCA) involving the Philippine, American, and Japanese armed forces has extended into its operations northward the West Philippine Sea (WPS), reaching the Bashi Channel, the strategic waterway between Luzon and Taiwan.
In a report by RH Edniel Parrosa, the 15th edition of the MMCA highlighted joint air patrols that saw allied aircraft reach as far as the Bashi Channel.
According to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the air maneuvers of Philippine Air Force (PAF) and Japan reach the Luzon and Taiwan, while naval vessels of Philippines and US remained within designated exercise box.
The aerial formation included the PAF’s FA-50 jets alongside Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force P-3 Orion aircraft.
Super Tucano aircraft from the PAF also conducted high-precision maneuvers.
Meanwhile, naval assets including the BRP Antonio Luna of the Philippine Navy, BRP Gabriela Silang of the Philippine Coast Guard, and the USS Dewey from the United States participated in joint sail operations.
AFP Public Affairs Chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad said that the exercise box of the MMCA extended close to the northernmost of Mavulis Island.
However, only the aerial drills reached the Bashi Channel, while the naval operations were conducted west of Basco, Batanes.
In addition to joint flights and sail exercises, the BRP Antonio Luna also tested its gunnery, simulating 'realistic maritime conditions' to enhance preparedness.
The AFP emphasized that all activities conducted from February 23 to 26 were strictly within the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and airspace.
Sa unang pagkakataon, umabot sa Bashi Channel ang Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA) sa West PH Sea.
— Edniel Parrosa (@ednielparrosa) February 27, 2026
Ayon sa AFP, nakarating sa pagitan ng Luzon at Taiwan ang air maneuvers ng PAF at Japan, habang nanatili sa exercise box ang mga barko ng PN at US. @dzrhnews pic.twitter.com/aOhuWhUatN
