Phl, U.S. navies cap WPS exercise sans adversity

WEST PHILIPPINE SEA (Aboard BRP Gregorio del Pilar) — The Armed Forces of the Philippines and the United States Indo-Pacific Command yesterday wrapped up their joint patrol and exercises in these disputed waters claimed by an increasingly belligerent China.

Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos, AFP Western Command chief, said the Philippines' two-day maritime patrol and cross-deck flight operation exercises with the US were "successful" amid the presence of at least two Chinese vessels of the People's Liberation Army Navy in the waters off Lubang, Occidental Mindoro.

"It was a successful live sailing because we both showed up. We both did our serials, and the ships showed up in the designated training areas with some tactical maneuvers," Carlos said.

Following air operations, high-ranking military officials from the AFP's Western Command and Northern Command met with the US Navy's Carrier Strike Group 1 on board the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier.

"Our air operations with the US Carrier Strike Group 1 were also very successful when doing that together," he added.

Carlos noted that the Chinese navy ships kept their distance from the Philippine and American vessels, describing the former's actions as "much better behavior" compared to their use of water cannons during Philippine troop rotation and resupply, or RoRe, missions to the BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin Shoal.

"So far, from what I have seen in the last two days, it could be classified as shadowing compared to their actions when we do the RoRe. There were more dangerous maneuvers and blocking there (China's previous engagements with Philippine vessels)," Carlos said.

"Here in the MCA (maritime cooperative activity), it was only a shadowing. They kept their distance 3-4 nautical miles from our formation. We were able to conduct our flight operations without disruption, but the Chinese were present in the area," he added.

Meanwhile, Carlos said they have yet to discuss a repeat of the MCA with their US counterparts.

"But from the pronouncement of our national leadership, the joint patrols will continue not only with the Americans but with all our partners and those who support the establishment of the rules-based international order in the South China Sea," he said.

Carlos said the MCA focuses on the country's "partnership and alliance" with the US and the "desire and resolve" to promote rules-based international orders in the South China Sea.

"This will continue. We expect more in the WesCom, our ships, and the NolCom are ready to undertake MCAs in the future," he added. "The South China Sea involves the Wescom and the NolCom."

Carlos said the Philippines will remain professional and avoid any provocations when doing operations in the country's exclusive economic zone, which China also claims.