Manila: The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) is set to take part in the forthcoming multilateral maritime cooperative activity (MMCA) in the West Philippine Sea. Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines David Hartman announced this development during a reception following the port call of HMCS Ottawa in Manila on February 7.
According to Philippines News Agency, the HMCS Ottawa will join the 7th Philippine-led MCCA within the country's exclusive economic zone as it leaves Manila this week. Ambassador Hartman emphasized Canada's commitment to working with the Philippine Navy and other partners to conduct multilateral maritime cooperative activities. He highlighted Canada's aim to bolster its diplomatic presence throughout the Indo-Pacific, with the Philippines being a significant focus.
The previous MMCA, held on February 5, involved naval and air force units from Australia, Japan, the Philippines, and the United States. Ambassador Hartman reiterated Canada's dedication to maintaining a rules-based international order and expressed opposition to China's activities in the region, stating that Canada would continue to confront provocative and unlawful actions by the People's Republic of China in both the South China Sea and the West Philippine Sea.
The visit of HMCS Ottawa to Manila, its first in the year, underscores Canada's commitment to the region as part of its Indo-Pacific strategy. The Canadian Embassy reported that the crew engaged in professional development and training with the Philippine Navy, participated in community outreach, and played friendly games of basketball and ice hockey.
Commander Adriano Lozer of HMCS Ottawa noted the importance of port visits in strengthening connections with friends and counterparts in the Indo-Pacific region. He emphasized that through ongoing engagements, the Royal Canadian Navy is reinforcing partnerships with trusted partners across the region.
HMCS Ottawa's deployment is part of Operation HORIZON, a Canadian initiative to promote peace and stability in crucial maritime regions. The vessel, along with an air detachment operating a CH-148 Cyclone maritime helicopter, carries approximately 240 skilled sailors, soldiers, and aviators, including 15 of Philippine descent. Equipped with advanced anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare weapons and sensors, HMCS Ottawa complements its substantial anti-air warfare defenses.
Its last visit to the Philippines was in Subic Bay in 2023, where it participated in Exercise Samasama alongside the Philippines and the United States.