Philippine marines take their positions after being dislodged by a fast boat with their US counterpart during the joint U.S.-Philippines military exercise dubbed Balikatan 2014, on May 9, 2014 at the Naval Training Exercise Command, a former US naval base, and facing the South China Sea at San Antonio township, Zambales province northwest of Manila, Philippines. AP (May 10, 2014)
MANILA, Philippines — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said that it is closely monitoring People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels within the vicinity where its joint maritime exercise with Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and the United States was conducted.
Despite this, AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said on Sunday that the Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA) “proceeded as planned without any interference, and the safety of participating countries’ vessels was ensured by the protocols in place.”
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“While there were observations of PLAN vessels tailing during the MMCA, no reports were received regarding the conduct of the alleged Chinese military exercise,” Padilla said.
“The AFP views the MMCA as a pivotal demonstration of international cooperation, strengthening partnerships and enhancing the capabilities of allied nations. This collaborative approach is essential in maintaining a safe and secure maritime environment in the region,” she added.
Padilla explained that the recent maritime exercises with allied countries “are integral to our Maritime Security Operations, aimed at strengthening our effective presence in the West Philippine Sea.”
“We will continue to actively engage with regional and international partners, fostering alliances through joint exercises, information sharing, and capacity-building initiatives,” the AFP official said.
“The 4th MMCA was completed successfully, with all planned activities and scenarios executed without any incidents. Participating countries enhanced their cooperation and interoperability in a manner consistent with international law,” she added.