MANILA – Canada will take part in the upcoming multilateral maritime cooperative activity (MMCA) in the West Philippine Sea, announced Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines David Hartman on February 7, 2025, following the port call of the HMCS Ottawa in Manila.

The ship, part of Canada’s ongoing Indo-Pacific strategy, will join the 7th Philippine-led MMCA within the country’s exclusive economic zone later this week. “At every opportunity, we’ve worked with the Philippine Navy and other partners to engage in multilateral activities,” Hartman said, emphasizing Canada’s commitment to strengthening its diplomatic presence in the region.

The HMCS Ottawa’s visit, its first for the year, includes military exchanges, outreach, and friendly sports games with the Philippine Navy. The ship’s crew also participated in professional training and development activities.

“These visits help deepen the strong ties between Canada and the Philippines,” said Commander Adriano Lozer of HMCS Ottawa. “They reinforce the Royal Canadian Navy’s partnerships in the Indo-Pacific.”

Canada continues to voice its opposition to China’s actions in the South China Sea and the West Philippine Sea, advocating for the rules-based international order. The last MMCA, held on February 5, involved naval and air force units from Australia, Japan, the Philippines, and the United States.

The HMCS Ottawa is part of Operation HORIZON, Canada’s effort to maintain peace and stability in critical global waterways. The ship is equipped with advanced anti-submarine, anti-surface, and anti-air warfare capabilities, and its crew includes personnel of Philippine descent.

ia/mnm

By Junex Doronio

MANILA — Noting the cyber threat that affects globally, Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines David Hartman said that cybersecurity “would be an area where there would be potential cooperation” between Canada and the Philippines.

This was confirmed on Tuesday by Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro who revealed that the Philippines and Canada are expected to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) “very soon” on defense cooperation, which aims to boost Manila’s capabilities in addressing regional challenges.

“Increased defense cooperation between countries, like the MOUs we have with other countries… They support our stand with the Arbitral Award and they support our stand in the West Philippine Sea,” Teodoro told reporters in an “ambush interview” at a cybersecurity event in Makati City.

The Canadian envoy described the cyber threat as “pervasive and global.”

Hartman expressed concern that “the area where many of our societies remain most vulnerable would be on the civilian side.”

He added that the issue of cyber security poses “real existential threats to our democracy.”

“Canada is a stalwart friend and partner of the Philippines, so we want to be able to work with our friends and partners to augment and enhance the Philippines’ capacity to protect its people, its citizenry, and itself,” Hartman said.

(el Amigo/MNM)

Italy fended off a gritty challenge from Canada, 25-14, 23-25, 25-20, 23-25, 15-9, to stay within striking distance of the pace-setters—including Brazil—in the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) men’s tournament Week 3 Thursday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

The world No. 4 Italians recovered from a collapse in the fourth set to scrape past the hard-fighting Canadians and stand side-by-side with rival Brazil in the critical final leg of the 16-team VNL gearing up for the 8-team finals in Poland from July 19 to 24.

Long-time Olympic foes Italy and Brazil, which swept the Netherlands earlier with a 25-21, 25-15, 25-20 win, are now tied at a 7-3 won-lost record but the latter holds a slight set points advantage at 22-20.

Italy scored a 23-25, 25-20, 25-15, 25-21 stunner on Brazil in the opener of the Philippine leg on Tuesday but found itself on the edge of the cliff against Canada this time around.

Alessandro Michieletto showed the way with 18 points on 14 hits, three blocks, and an ace while Gianluca Galassi and Yuri Romano carded 17 points apiece to rescue the Italians from a near upset.

Roberto Russo and Daniele Lavia added 15 and 10 points, respectively, for Italy, which raced to a 2-1 lead sparked by an easy 25-14 win in the opening set.

On the verge of a four-set triumph, Italy took a 23-21 cushion on a Galassi kill before being blanked the rest of the way to allow a deciding fifth set.

Michieletto then took over from then, anchoring Italy’s 4-0 start in the rubber en route to the pesky win.

Italy has Slovenia next today as world No. 16 Canada, led by Ryan Joseph Sclater’s 22 points, slid to 2-8 at the 13th spot. Canada will face world No.1 Poland on Saturday. (ai/mnm)