Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced on social network X on November 21 that "today marks the beginning of joint maritime and air patrols" between Philippine military forces and the US Indo-Pacific Command in the West Philippine Sea, part of the South China Sea that Manila calls the South China Sea.
Servicemen aboard the Philippine Navy frigate BRP Jose Rizal look at the US destroyer USS Ralph Johnson as it sails in the South China Sea in September.
"This important initiative is a testament to our commitment to strengthening the joint operational capabilities of our military forces in maritime and air patrols," the leader wrote.
Through this effort, the Philippines aims to strengthen regional security and foster partnership with the United States to protect common interests, President Marcos Jr. said, expressing confidence that the cooperation will contribute to a safer and more stable environment.
The leader added that the joint patrols were part of a series of events agreed upon by the two countries' defense and security agencies. The patrols are expected to continue until November 23.
Reuters quoted Colonel Eugene Henry Cabusao of a command on the northern Philippine island of Luzon as saying the joint patrol took place off the island. The Pentagon has not commented on this activity.
Marcos Jr.'s announcement comes as the Philippines has been stepping up its efforts to strengthen ties with its US ally this year, including increasing the number of bases the US military can access in the Philippines. The Philippine president also recently said at a forum in Hawaii that the situation in the South China Sea has become more serious than before.
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