PH, US hold joint patrol in West Philippine Sea

Philippine vessels in column formation in the vicinity of North West of Cabra, Lubang, Occidental Mindoro during the 2nd PH-US MCA on January 3, 2024. (Photo from WESCOM, AFP)

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines and the United States commenced the first joint patrol in the West Philippine Sea this year, which will last until January 4.  

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Wednesday said the two-day bilateral event will consist of “passing exercises, communication checks, cross-deck exercises, joint patrols, Officer of the Watch maneuvers, and fixed-wing flight operations.”

“The 2nd maritime cooperative activity marks a significant leap in our alliance and interoperability with the United States. It also demonstrates our progress in defense capabilities and development as a world-class armed force, as we carry out our mandate to protect the people and the state,” AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner, Jr. said in a statement. 

Philippine Navy ships PS15, PS16 and LD602 in line formation during the 2nd iteration of the AFP-USINDOPACOM Military Cooperative Activity in West Philippine Sea on Wednesday, January 3, 2024. (Photo from WESCOM, AFP)

According to the AFP, Philippine and US assets have arrived in the West Philippine Sea and performed advanced maritime communication exercises and completed “division tactics, an exercise to develop their confidence in maneuvering near other vessels.”

The AFP added that it also deployed four Philippine Navy vessels, a search and rescue multi-role helicopter, and an anti-submarine warfare capable helicopter, while the United States Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) used its navy vessels, a cruiser, two destroyers, and multiple combat aircraft.

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