ISTANBUL 

The Philippines said on Monday that it will hold its first three-way maritime drill with the US and Japan starting this week.

The Philippines Coast Guard (PCG) said in a statement that the week-long exercise will begin on Thursday.

The trilateral drill will be conducted off Mariveles municipality in the western shore of Bataan province on Luzon island, which sits at the Philippines' northern end.

“The trilateral maritime exercises aim to strengthen maritime cooperation and understanding of fellow countries, maneuvering drills, maritime law enforcement training, search-and-rescue and passing exercises,” said the PCG.

Manila’s announcement of its first trilateral maritime drill came after the US and Philippines last month discussed plans to hold combined maritime activities with "likeminded" partners in the disputed South China Sea.

Besides, the two sides had committed to finalizing plans for "the resumption of combined maritime activities, including the conduct of joint sails by the US and Philippine navies, in the South China Sea."