Filipino naval contingent join US, Canada maritime forces in multi-lateral maritime exercises off Northern Luzon waters

BAGUIO CITY (February 13, 2025) – Naval forces attached to the Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM), joined last Wednesday’s 7th Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA) off the waters of Northern Luzon.

The Naval Forces Northern Luzon (NFNL), which operates under NOLCOM’s operational control, served as the participating unit representing the Philippine Navy alongside maritime forces from the United States and Canada, said Army Major Al Anthony B. Pueblas, spokesman of the NOLCOM.

The maritime exercises sought to strengthen coordination, improve cooperation, and enhance maritime security among our American and Canadian counterparts, said NOLCOM chief Lt. Gen. Fernyl G. Buca.

NOLCOM, through the NFNL, added Buca, deployed BRP ANDRES BONIFACIO (PS17) and Beechcraft King Air (NV394) in the Division Tactics, Anti-Submarine Warfare, and Communication Exercises, to improve operational readiness.

Buca explained, “NOLCOM’s participation in the 7th MMCA reinforces our commitment to protecting our maritime territory, securing our sovereign rights, and working with our allies to promote regional stability.”

This initiative up north, Buca further stressed, “supports the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) efforts to safeguard the West Philippine Sea and maintain maritime domain awareness.” He added, “it also reflects the importance of international cooperation in ensuring peace, stability, and adherence to the 2016 arbitral ruling under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).