Philippines seeks 12 F-16 fighter jets from US

MANILA, Philippines—An official says the Philippines will seek a squadron of F-16 fighter jets and a third coast guard ship from longtime ally Washington amid simmering territorial disputes in the South China Sea.

Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario said Wednesday that he and the defense chief will meet their US counterparts in Washington next year to discuss the requests.

Del Rosario said the requests for 12 F-16 fighter jets and a third coast guard cutter have already been relayed to American officials and their initial response was encouraging.

Washington has provided a coast guard cutter and agreed to send another one to the Philippines, which is locked in territorial disputes with China and four other governments.