PH at US Nag-Drill sa Manila Bay at Bataan, Focus sa Maritime Security

The Philippines and the United States completed a new round of joint naval exercises in Manila Bay and the waters off Mariveles, Bataan, with both sides framing the activity as part of tighter maritime coordination. The Armed Forces of the Philippines said the operation was meant to improve interoperability and response capability inside Philippine maritime zones.

The activity, identified as Bilateral MCA 26-3.1, involved the AFP, the Philippine Coast Guard, and the US Indo-Pacific Command. Philippine assets included the BRP Antonio Luna, the BRP Gabriela Silang, two A-29B Super Tucano aircraft, one C-208B aircraft, and a Sokol search-and-rescue aircraft, while the US side deployed the USS Blue Ridge, the flagship of the US 7th Fleet.

According to the report, the drills included communications exercises and a photo exercise, with Philippine Air Force aircraft also flying over the USS Blue Ridge during the operation. In short, hindi lang ito simpleng courtesy sail — it was a coordinated test of how both forces can work together at sea and in the air.

The AFP said the successful activity reflected the continuing commitment of both countries to promote regional maritime security, stability, and respect for international law. The US 7th Fleet separately said the drills were carried out with due regard for the rights, safety, and navigational freedoms of all nations.

The exercise also came after the USS Blue Ridge made a port call in Manila for leadership exchanges and technical discussions with the Philippine Navy. Timing-wise, the latest drill adds to a bigger pattern of PH-US maritime cooperation as tensions in the West Philippine Sea continue to keep defense and patrol coordination front and center.

Source: https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/03/21/news/ph-us-complete-maritime-drills-off-bataan-manila-bay/2304765