US, PH armed forces conduct 2nd joint patrol in South China Sea

THE United States and Philippine armed forces yesterday launched another joint patrol in the contested West Philippine Sea in the South China Sea where China has been harassing Philippine vessels.

The Philippine military sent four ships, a multi-role helicopter, and an anti-submarine helicopter from the Philippine Navy to take part in the two-day maritime cooperative activity.

On the other hand, US Indo-Pacific Command deployed four ships – an aircraft carrier, a cruiser, and two destroyers – and multiple combat aircraft from the US Carrier Strike Group 1.

“The two-day bilateral event will conduct passing exercises, communication checks, cross-deck exercises, joint patrols, Officer of the Watch maneuvers, and fixed-wing flight operations,” said AFP public affairs chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad.

Trinidad said Philippine and US assets conducted “advanced maritime communication exercises.”

“The participating vessels completed division tactics, an exercise to develop their confidence in maneuvering near other vessels,” added Trinidad.

Trinidad said such exercise “requires complete coordination between PH-US assets to enhance the operational capabilities and interoperability of both forces.”

The first joint patrol or maritime cooperative activity between US and Philippines was conducted on November 21. The military said the three-day event was successful despite shadowing by the Chinese.

Armed Forces chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr said the latest activity between the two armed forces “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,” he said.

“Our alliance is stronger than ever, sending a message to the world. We are advancing a rules-based international order and a free and open Indo-Pacific region in the face of regional challenges,” said Brawner.

The Philippines and the US have the Mutual Defense Treaty that requires the two nations to respond to any armed attack in the metropolitan territory of either party or on the island territories or on armed forces, public