Naval forces from the Philippines, the U.S., and other key allies launched a series of maritime drills on October 14 as part of Exercise Sama-Sama 2024, reinforcing their commitment to maritime security and collective defense.
Sama-Sama, which means “togetherness,” brought together not only the Philippines and the U.S., but also highlighted broader multilateral cooperation with key allies.
The participation of the Royal Canadian Navy, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), and other allied navies further demonstrated their collective commitment to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
The day’s drills in the West Philippine Sea focused on anti-submarine warfare and joint patrol operations. Both forces conducted the Combined Anti-Submarine Exercise (CASEX), carrying out torpedo exercises using the Expandable Mobile Anti-Submarine Warfare Training Target (EMATTEX), sharpening their anti-submarine warfare techniques in a realistic setting.
In addition to CASEX, the forces performed the Joint and Combined Patrol (Night Steaming in Company), simulating real-world scenarios in contested waters. These drills enhanced coordination between participating units during nighttime operations, improving their crisis response capabilities.
Search and Rescue Exercises (SAREX) and Shipboard Casualty Care drills further demonstrated the forces’ preparedness for traditional and non-traditional maritime security challenges.
“These activities focused not only on combat readiness but also on humanitarian assistance and disaster response, which are integral parts of modern naval operations,” the Armed Forces of the Philippines said.
The Philippine Navy’s BRP Jose Rizal and the U.S. Navy destroyer USS Howard led the exercises, supported by sailors and personnel from Australia, Canada, France, Japan, Philippines, and the United States. The drills aimed to strengthen collaboration in anti-submarine, anti-surface, and anti-air warfare, highlighting the growing military partnership among these nations.
China has insisted on sovereignty over almost all of the South China Sea. As tensions escalate in the West Philippine Sea, where Chinese vessels have increased their presence, Exercise Sama-Sama 2024 underscored the readiness of the Philippines and its allies to defend territorial integrity and maintain regional security.
From October 7 to 13, the Philippine Navy reported 34 Chinese vessels in its waters, including warships, further intensifying concerns in the region.
A recent incident on October 11 added urgency to the situation when a Chinese maritime militia boat deliberately sideswiped a Philippine vessel conducting a routine patrol near Thitu Island.
On October 15, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) reported that the incident involved the BRP Datu Cabaylo, which encountered a Chinese vessel while on a mission near Sandy Cay.
“At around 07:45 a.m., as BRP Datu Cabaylo was slowly approaching Pag-asa (Sandy) Cay 4, a Chinese maritime militia vessel with bow number 00108 deliberately sideswiped the Datu Cabaylo,” BFAR said in a statement.
Despite the collision, the Philippine vessel maintained its position and completed its mission, reflecting the determination of Philippine forces to uphold their rights in the region.
“We commend the officers and crew of the BRP Datu Cabaylo (MMOV 3001) as they continue to perform their duty, in line with the mandate of BFAR, to uphold Philippine jurisdiction and rights over its territorial waters and exclusive economic zone,” the agency noted.
This incident illustrated the heightened tensions in the area, where China has consistently asserted its claims over the South China Sea, disregarding a 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration that invalidated its claims.

The AW159 helicopter aboard the BRP Jose Rizal (FF150) prepares for takeoff during the exercise.

USS Howard (DDG-83) sails alongside BRP Jose Rizal (FF150).
In addition to the naval exercises, Filipino and Australian soldiers held war drills in the Bicol Region as part of the second phase of Exercise Kasangga 2024. This exercise, which runs until November 8, involves 216 Philippine Army personnel and 50 Australian soldiers, strengthening military cooperation between the two countries.
These military exercises across different regions of the Philippines demonstrate the country’s ongoing efforts to build its defense capabilities in the face of growing regional tensions.
The participation of allied forces, including those from the U.S., Australia, Japan, and Canada, underscores the importance of international cooperation in maintaining regional security and stability.
As tensions rise in the West Philippine Sea, Sama-Sama and other military exercises signal the Philippines’ readiness, alongside its allies, to defend its territorial integrity and support the broader security of the Indo-Pacific region.
The presence of international forces sends a clear message that they stand united against China’s illegal and aggressive actions in the South China Sea.
All photos credit: Armed Forces of the Philippines
Top photo: Personnel aboard the BRP Jose Rizal (FF150) prepare the AW159 Wildcat military helicopter as part of Exercise Sama-Sama on October 14 in the West Philippine Sea.