Philippines, US hold another joint activity in West Philippine Sea

MANILA, Philippines — Naval forces of the Philippines and the United States Indo-Pacific Command completed another joint activity in the West Philippine Sea yesterday, in what officials stressed was a show of commitment of both nations to boost regional security and stability.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced a successful third Philippine-US Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) in Philippine territorial waters, involving the Philippine Navy’s BRP Gregorio del Pilar and US Navy’s USS Gabrielle Giffords. Gregorio del Pilar’s AW109 helicopter and Gabrielle Giffords’ MH-60S Sea Hawk were involved in the activity featuring advanced planning and maritime communication operations within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.

The AFP said the MCA, now a routine activity for both Filipino and US militaries, has been effective in enhancing interoperability through the conduct of maritime security and maritime domain awareness operations.

The activity also involved communication exercise, photo exercise and division tactics or Officer of the Watch Maneuver.

“The continuous maritime cooperative activity manifests the enduring partnership between the Philippines and the US militaries,” AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said.

“It demonstrates our commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, and fosters closer cooperation towards further enhancing our maritime capabilities,” he said. 

Also in the West Philippine Sea, a resupply mission to Rozul (Iroqouis) Reef early this week proceeded unmolested by Chinese vessels, enabling 16 Filipino fishing boats to receive delivery of food, fuel and other provisions, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) reported yesterday.

According to BFAR, supply ship BRP Datu Sanday carried out its mission at 2:50 a.m. on Feb. 5 in waters usually crowded with Chinese coast guard and militia vessels.

“No Chinese vessels were observed around said area during the mission. On previous occasions, an average of around 30 Chinese vessels, including maritime militia vessels, were monitored around Iroqouis Reef,” BFAR said. The aircraft supporting Datu Sanday’s supply operation did not receive radio challenge from the Chinese.