(UPDATE) THE Philippines and the United States have completed naval exercises in Manila Bay and the waters off Mariveles, Bataan, aimed at strengthening maritime security and interoperability between their forces. In a statement on Saturday, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said the exercise, dubbed Bilateral MCA 26-3.1, involved the United States Indo-Pacific Command and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). “The activity was aimed at enhancing interoperability among participating forces in support of maritime security and sustaining maritime response in the Philippine Maritime Zones,” the AFP said. Philippine units included the BRP Antonio Luna (FFG15), two A-29B Super Tucano aircraft, one C-208B aircraft, one Sokol Search and Rescue aircraft, and the PCG’s BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV 8301). The US, on the other hand, deployed the USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19), flagship of the US Navy’s 7th Fleet. The exercise featured a series of activities such as communications drills and a photo exercise. Two Philippine Air Force A-29B Super Tucano aircraft also flew over the USS Blue Ridge during the operations. “The successful conduct of the MCA (maritime cooperative activity) reflects the continuing commitment of the Philippines and the United States to strengthen coordination and cooperation in promoting regional maritime security, stability, and adherence to international law,” the AFP said. “The AFP remains committed to building strong defense partnerships and enhancing its capability to safeguard the country’s maritime interests and uphold a rules-based international order,” it added. The US 7th Fleet, meanwhile, clarified that these drills, along with other MCAs, are conducted in a manner consistent with international law and with due regard to the safety, navigational rights, and freedoms of all nations. “The US, along with our allies and partners, upholds the right to freedom of navigation and overflight and other lawful uses of the sea and international airspace, as well as respect for maritime rights under international law,” it said. “US 7th Fleet, the US Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific.” Before the bilateral sails, the USS Blue Ridge conducted a port visit to Manila, where the US 7th Fleet and the Philippine Navy Fleet conducted subject matter expert exchanges and leadership calls. The latest drills follow the two nations’ January MCA off the Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal) against the backdrop of China’s sustained presence in the West Philippine Sea.