The Philippines and the United States are currently conducting a "bilateral sail" in waters off the western Palawan within the South China Sea, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said on Monday.

AFP Public Affairs chief Lt.Col. Enrico Gil Ileto said the activity is part of the Mutual Defense Board-Security Engagement Board framework that aims to develop operational interoperability between the navies of the two countries.

Ileto added that the event also highlights the "robust maritime cooperation" between the US and the Philippines.

During the bilateral sail, the AFP deployed the Navy's guided-missile frigate, BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) while the US Navy deployed the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, the USS Ralph Johnson (DDG-114).

Meanwhile, the AFP Western Command's Naval Task Force 41 and the US 7th Fleet will also carry out "division tactics" using the BRP Jose Rizal and the US Navy's USS Ralph Johnson to improve their cooperation capabilities, which involves practicing ship maneuvering near other vessels to boost bridge team confidence in handling challenging sailing conditions.

"In particular, this event aims to provide an opportunity for the Philippine Navy and the US Indo-Pacific Navy to test and refine existing maritime doctrine and demonstrate their defense capabilities in line with the shared commitment of upholding peace and security in the Indo-Pacific Region," Ileto said.

The AFP, he added, will continue to be involved in "bilateral and multilateral activities" that will contribute to further developing its capability to perform its mission to the country's national sovereignty and national territory.

"The AFP continues to engage in joint training and exercises with other nations, using existing agreements to further improve its defense and maritime capabilities," Ileto further stressed.

*CAPTION: BRP Jose Rizal (FF150) and USS Ralph Johnson (DDG 114) conducted bilateral sail on September 4 to enhance interoperability. Philippine Navy's BRP Jose Rizal (FF150) and US Navy's  USS Ralph Johnson sail through Philippine waters to carry out Division Tactics rehearsal. (Photo courtesy of AFP-Western Command)*