TO FORTIFY the Eastern Mindanao seaboard, Joint Task Force (JTF) Sinaya officially launched the Maritime Inter-Agency Exercise (MIAEX) 2026-01 at Jubang International Seaport on Thursday, May 14.
The exercise brings together the Philippine Navy, Philippine Coast Guard (Northeastern Mindanao), PNP Regional Maritime Unit 13, and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) to sharpen interoperability in the face of evolving maritime security threats.
“This exercise is about reinforcing our collective ability to respond to challenges in our waters,” the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM) stated, noting that the collaboration includes the Department of Agriculture, MARINA, the Dapa local government, and naval reservists.
The kickoff also featured a Maritime Domain Awareness Forum where experts discussed the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and emergency evaluation protocols to align different agencies under a single operational standard.
Engaging the youth on WPS
In a parallel effort, a Youth Leadership Forum was held at the Siargao Island Institute of Technology.
The forum focused on West Philippine Sea (WPS) awareness, part of the AFP’s “MULAT” communication plan. Students engaged in dialogues regarding national sovereignty and patriotism, a move the Navy says is vital for deepening public understanding of national security concerns.
The exercise is expected to continue through the week, featuring various sea-phase maneuvers and simulation responses along the seaboard.
