Maritime domain awareness is a key pillar of the Philippines’ shift toward external defense, known as the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC), as evidenced by the Naval Forces Western Mindanao’s (NFWM) recent joint security training in territorial waters off Zamboanga City, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.
The five-day Joint Maritime Security Training Exercise (JMSTX), held in mid-April 2024, included collaboration among 22 units of the Philippine Army, Air Force, Marine Corps and Navy, as well as the Coast Guard and National Police.
About 320 troops and maritime law enforcement personnel conducted scenarios to strengthen readiness and response to security challenges. The exercise held across the Sulu Archipelago included maritime patrols; intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; counter-smuggling operations; and interagency communication to identify, report and interdict vessels suspected of carrying illicit materials for terrorist groups.
The exercise served as a platform for enhancing interoperability and advancing maritime defense capabilities in the Western Mindanao Command’s area of operation, Rear Adm. Donn Anthony Miraflor, NFWM commander, said in a statement.
Commodore Marco Antonio Gines, commander of Coast Guard District Southwestern Mindanao, which supported the exercise, said the initiative was vital to promoting collaboration and enhancing capabilities to ensure maritime safety and stability.
Miraflor said the JMSTX also advanced implementation of the nation’s defense goals.
