MANILA, Nov. 1 -- The Philippines conducted its 12th multilateral maritime cooperative activity (MMCA) in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) with the United States, Australia, and New Zealand as part of its broader efforts to promote rule of law in securing peace and stability in the region.

In a statement on Saturday, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said this latest exercise reflects the four nations' commitment to strengthening maritime cooperation, enhancing interoperability, and championing a rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific.

The activities, held from Oct. 30 to 31, were joined by the US Navy's Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Fitzgerald (DDG-62), the Australian Defense Force's HMAS Ballarat (FFH155) and MH-...