Del Rosario urges joint US patrols to counter Chinese presence

Former Foreign Affairs chief Albert del Rosario is urging the Duterte administration to reconsider joint patrols with the US in the West Philippine Sea due to ongoing Chinese presence.

Del Rosario, who served as foreign secretary during President Aquino's term, met twice with then-US Deputy Secretary of State Anthony Blinken to discuss joint patrols but these were shelved by the current government out of concern for China’s reaction.

On Wednesday, Del Rosario made this suggestion after reports indicated over 200 Chinese vessels remained in Philippine waters near Julian Felipe Reef and other areas.