WATCH: Philippines’ BRP Miguel Malvar, Japan’s JS Takanami hold anti-submarine exercise

The BRP Miguel Malvar embarks on her second mission yet: drills with the JS Takanami in the West Philippine Sea

ABOARD THE BRP MIGUEL MALVAR — The Philippine Navy’s newest and most modern frigate, the BRP Miguel Malvar, embarked on its second mission since its commissioning: a Maritime Cooperative Activity with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force in the West Philippine Sea.

On June 14, the BRP Miguel Malvar and the JS Takanami engaged in an anti-submarine exercise, cross-deck landing, and formation exercises. It’s a way for the BRP Miguel Malvar and her crew to both test her systems at sea and get used to interoperability with her Japanese counterparts.

The drills came after the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA), a deal that would make it easier for either nations’ militaries or self-defense forces to access each others’ territory for exercises or humanitarian response, was ratified by Japan’s parliament.

Rappler joined the BRP Miguel Malvar for the exercise. Bea Cupin filed this report. – Rappler.com