Philippine, US, Canada militaries patrol West Philippine Sea

Militaries from the Philippines, United States, and Canada participated in the 7th Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity within the Philippines' EEZ on Wednesday, February 12.

Naval and air force units from all three nations patrolled together in the West Philippine Sea off Northern Luzon to enhance cooperation and interoperability, with the AFP deploying the BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS-17), Beechcraft King Air C-90 patrol aircraft, and Philippine Air Force search-and-rescue assets.

The Naval Forces Northern Luzon (NFNL) under the Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) joined the exercise as part of strengthening coordination with American and Canadian counterparts.

During the activity, three PLA-Navy ships, one oceanographic surveillance ship, and a helicopter were monitored from a distance by the AFP without any interference.

AFP Chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. emphasized that similar joint exercises with other countries such as Italy, France, and the UK are being considered to enhance regional stability and maritime security in the Indo-Pacific Region.