NOLCOM NAVAL FORCES JOIN 7TH MMCA WITH US AND CANADA MARITIME FORCES

February 15, 2025 Community Billboard

CAMP AQUINO, Tarlac City

The Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM), under the leadership of LTGEN FERNYL G. BUCA PAF, participated in
the 7th Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA) on February 12, 2025. The Naval Forces Northern Luzon (NFNL), which operates under NOLCOM’s operational control, served as the participating unit representing the Philippine Navy alongside maritime forces from the United States and Canada.

The MMCA took place within the Northern Luzon Command Joint Operational Area. The activity aimed to strengthen coordination, improve cooperation, and enhance maritime security among participating nations. NOLCOM, through NFNL, deployed BRP ANDRES BONIFACIO (PS17) and Beechcraft King Air (NV394) to take part in the Division Tactics, Anti-Submarine Warfare, and Communication Exercises, all designed to improve
operational readiness.

LTGEN Buca highlighted the importance of the activity, stating, “NOLCOM’s participation in the 7th MMCA reinforces our commitment to protecting our maritime territory, securing our sovereign rights, and working with our allies to promote regional stability.” This initiative supports the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) efforts to
safeguard the West Philippine Sea and maintain maritime domain awareness. It also reflects the importance of
international cooperation in ensuring peace, stability, and adherence to the 2016 arbitral ruling under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).