The Philippines joined forces with Canada and Australia in a major maritime exercise held in the West Philippine Sea on Saturday, reinforcing their shared stance on regional security and freedom of navigation.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said the drills took place west southwest of El Nido, Palawan, under Exercise ALON. The activities included crossdeck hoisting and personnel exchanges involving three naval ships: BRP Jose Rizal (FF150) of the Philippine Navy, HMAS Brisbane (DDG41) of the Royal Australian Navy, and HMCS Ville de Québec (FFH332) of the Royal Canadian Navy.
“The engagement reflects a shared resolve to uphold a rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific and reinforces the commitment of the Philippines, Australia, and Canada to promote freedom of navigation, regional stability, and collective maritime security,” the AFP said in a statement.
The Philippines has been actively expanding defense partnerships as tensions rise in the West Philippine Sea, where Chinese forces have repeatedly carried out aggressive actions against Filipino vessels and aircraft.
In 2016, the Philippines secured a landmark legal victory at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, which invalidated China’s sweeping claims over much of the South China Sea. Beijing, however, has continued to disregard the ruling, prompting Manila to strengthen alliances with international partners to safeguard its maritime rights.
