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Marcos Jr. hopes 'Task Force Philippines' will 'lower tensions' in West PH Sea
President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. expressed optimism that the newly formed joint task force between the Philippines and the United States, dubbed "Task Force Philippines," will help de-escalate tensions in the West Philippine Sea.
The task force aims to safeguard the freedom of navigation within the contested region.
This initiative was announced following a meeting between Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth and Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.
Task Force Philippines is designed to enhance operational cooperation, combined planning, and interoperability, especially in the South China Sea.
Marcos Jr. stated that the task force is not intended to heighten tensions but rather to organize into a more cohesive unit for the protection of freedom of navigation.
He noted that the main difference between this task force and other US-Philippines exercises lies in the vessels involved.
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The United States and the Philippines have established "Task Force Philippines" to enhance their joint response capabilities and re-establish deterrence in the South China Sea.
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