THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the United States Indo-Pacific Command (Usindopacom), together with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), completed a bilateral maritime cooperative activity (MCA) in Manila Bay and the waters off Mariveles, Bataan, on Friday. The MCA “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 in a statement. Participating Philippine assets included the BRP Antonio Luna, two A-29B Super Tucano, a C-208B aircraft, and Sokol search and rescue aircraft, as well as the BRP Gabriela Silang from the Philippine Coast Guard. The United States deployed the US Navy’s 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge for the activity. The participating units carried out a series of exercises, including a communications check and a photo exercise. The MCA “reflected 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. It reiterated its commitment to building strong defense partnerships and building up its capability to protect the country’s maritime interests.