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

Art Dumlao — February 16, 2025

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).


Time to Pass the Torch: Why Political Comebacks Are Not the Answer

Time to Pass the Torch: Why Political Comebacks Are Not the Answer

By Malou Laxamana Pascual • May 5, 2025
As the May 12 election nears, a quiet but growing movement is making itself heard in Baguio City. It does not come from the traditional campaign stage or the usual political dynasties. It is not funded by machinery or driven by name recall. It comes from the ground, from the young, and from those who are tired of the cycle. Tired of the same names, the same faces, the same families. Tired of watching opportunity slip away as public service is reduced to a personal brand.
ASEAN bloc called on to protect journalists, media freedom

ASEAN bloc called on to protect journalists, media freedom

By Art Dumlao • May 4, 2025
ASEAN bloc called on to protect journalists, media freedom
Abra lawmaker tops RPMD Foundation’s job performance assessment

Abra lawmaker tops RPMD Foundation’s job performance assessment

By Art Dumlao • May 3, 2025
Abra lawmaker Menchie Bernos bested five of her Cordillera congressmen-colleagues at the most recent job performance assessment ‘Boses ng Bayan' by RPMD Foundation Inc. (RPMD).