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).

Cagayan lawmaker, family face plunder over P10-B alleged DPWH contract haul

By Artemio A. Dumlao • October 19, 2026
Billions of pesos in public infrastructure contracts os central in the plunder probe against Cagayan Rep. Joseph Lasam Lara and his family, with investigators examining alleged financial ties to construction firms doing business with the government.

Ombudsman dismisses Urdaneta mayor, vice mayor, 6 councilors

By Artemio A. Dumlao • October 16, 2026
The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the dismissal from service Urdaneta City, Pangasinan Mayor Julio Fernandez Parayno III, Vice Mayor Jimmy Dereje Parayno, and six city councilors over consolidated administrative complaints involving their alleged defiance of a presidential suspension order.

Cordillera autonomy bill still fails to draw support from original self-rule campaigners

By Artemio A. Dumlao • October 16, 2026
A proposed law creating the Cordillera Autonomous Region drew calls for rejection this Tuesday, with ACT Teachers party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio and Cordillera Peoples Alliance (CPA) chair Windel Bolinget warning it could undermine Indigenous self-determination and local control over natural resources.