Philippines, Japan, US, Canada navies in joint sail

MANILA, Philippines — Naval forces of the Philippines, Japan, the United States and Canada embarked on a joint sail in the South China Sea on Sunday in reaffirmation of their commitment to strengthen regional and international cooperation for a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Part of the flotilla in the Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) were Japan Maritime Self Defense Force’s JS Kirisame, Royal Canadian Navy Halifax-class frigate HMCS Montreal, US Navy’s Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ralph Johnson and Philippine Navy’s Gregorio del Pilar-class patrol ship BRP Andres Bonifacio.

“Japan is committed to strengthening its partnerships with like-minded countries in upholding freedom of navigation and rule of law,” the Japanese embassy said in a statement, referring to the MCA.

Japan’s defense ministry said it would seize every opportunity to strengthen its partnership with the Philippines, US and other allies.

The Philippines, US, Japan and Australia conducted joint naval exercises in April in the West Philippine Sea despite China’s protest.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Army chief has called on officers and personnel of the Armor Division to continue to be relevant in maintaining all defense assets, saying it is crucial in the Army’s shift to territorial defense operations.

Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Roy Galido issued the call during the unit’s 48th founding anniversary celebration at Camp O’Donnell in Capas, Tarlac on Friday.