With more than 1,800 participants from the Philippines, Britain, Canada, Japan and the United States, "Sama Sama" drills are being held in the southern part of the island of Luzon, featuring naval exercises in areas such as anti-submarine warfare, air defence and search and rescue, the Philippine navy said.

"It is a symbol of our enduring partnerships and our shared commitment to security and stability in the Asia-Pacific region," Philippine navy chief Rear Admiral Toribio Adaci said at the opening event.

Five vessels, two from the United States, and one each from Britain, Canada and Japan, joined the Philippine-hosted drills that will run until October 13.

The navies of Australia, France, Indonesia and New Zealand also joined in by sending observers and experts.