DFA crafting guidelines for joint maritime patrols in West Philippine Sea

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Thursday said it is now in the process of creating guidelines for the conduct of joint maritime activities in the West Philippine Sea including joint patrols.

“The GPH (Government of the Republic of the Philippines) is in the process of crafting guidelines for the conduct of combined maritime activities in the WPS, including joint patrols,” the DFA said in a statement.

It can be recalled that Washington and Manila have agreed to restart their joint maritime patrols in South China Sea including the WPS.

READ: PH, US agree to restart joint maritime patrols in South China Sea

The DFA, however, also said the guidelines are also looking into engaging other countries to the activity.

“Operational details, including on the possibility of engaging other regional partners, will be part of PH-U.S. discussions within the framework of the MDB-SEB (Mutual Defense Board-Security Engagement Board),” the DFA also said.

The DFA did not further elaborate.

Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Hae Kyong Yu on Wednesday confirmed that the governments of Manila, Washington, Canberra, and Tokyo are now in talks of joint patrols in the said area.

READ: Aussie envoy confirms joint patrol talks with PH, US, Japan

JPV