MANILA – “With this show of force and active engagement of our allies and partners, ‘Sama Sama’ transcends mere military exercises,” Philippine Navy Chief Rear Admiral Toribio Adaci said during the recent opening of large-scale naval exercises with allied nations in the South China Sea.

As many as 1,800 participants from the United States, a Philippines’ treaty ally, as well as strategic partners such as Japan, Great Britain and Canada are taking part in ‘Samasama’ drills, which will last two weeks and include anti-submarine warfare, search and rescue operations, air defense drills and land phases.

Read More–>Philippines taking the fight to China in South China Sea