The Philippines will expand its “maritime cooperative activities” (MCA) with Japan, Australia, and other friendly nations, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. said on Tuesday.

“We will also bolster maritime cooperative activities and expand coordination with Japan and Australia and other like-minded nations, not only in these areas but in joint exercises and training as well, where applicable,” he said during the 2+2 Foreign and Defense Ministerial Meeting in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

MCAs are joint naval and air patrols conducted by Philippine allies in its maritime territories.

Teodoro said Manila would beef up the cybersecurity capabilities of the DND and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

“(We will upgrade) not only in terms of capabilities but also in terms of cooperation in threat detection and protection and joint advanced technological development,” he added.

Through robust cooperation in land, sea, air, and cyberspace and extensive interoperability, Teodoro said the US-Philippines alliance would greatly contribute to regional peace and stability under the regime of international law.

“We thank the US government for the continued assistance in building up our capabilities, which will provide a tremendous boost in order for us to establish a credible deterrent to unlawful foreign aggression,” he added. (PNA)