AFP, US Indo Pacific Command begin joint maritime cooperative activity in Batanes, WPS

The Armed Forces of the Philippines and the United States Indo-Pacific Command on Tuesday began the conduct of their maritime cooperative activity from Batanes to West Philippines.

AFP Public Affairs chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad said the maritime cooperative activity, which will run until 23 November, is aimed at further enhancing interoperability and fostering regional cooperation between the Philippines and its long-standing allies.

"The activity will commence in the vicinity of Batanes and will end in the West Philippine Sea," Trinidad said.

Among the AFP assets to be used during the activity are 3 navy vessels, 2 FA-50PH, and an A-29B Super Tucano while the US will send its Littoral Combat Ship and a P8-A.

Trinidad said the activity pursues the Philippines-US principles based on a rules-based international order.

It demonstrates the AFP and USINDOPACOM's commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific Region, he added.