Philippines, US Launch 4th Bilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity Near Scarborough Shoal

The Philippines and United States launched their fourth Bilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) of 2026, a six-day joint patrol (June 14-19) near Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal) in the West Philippine Sea. Philippine assets included frigate BRP Diego Silang (FFG-07), FA-50 fighter jets, an AW109 helicopter, and PCG cutters BRP Melchora Aquino and BRP Sindangan; US assets included USCGC Charles Moulthrope (WPC-1141), USCGC Emlen Tunnell (WPC-1145), P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, and 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment personnel. Chinese forces shadowing the activity included two Jiangkai-class frigates, one Jiangdao-class corvette, an auxiliary tanker, and maritime patrol aircraft.