MANILA, Philippines: The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has expressed its commitment to fostering “more” maritime cooperative activities (MCAs) with the United States and other like-minded nations, aiming to maintain a peaceful and secure Indo-Pacific region. Col. Xerxes Trinidad, AFP Public Affairs head, emphasized the significance of the US participation in Tuesday’s exercise, highlighting the cohesive alliance among allies and encouraging other partners to join.
During the exercise, three Philippine Air Force FA-50s and US B52Hs bomber aircraft conducted flights over the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). The overflights covered a distance of 90 nautical miles west of Candon, Ilocos Sur, extending to 50 nautical miles northwest of Lubang Island in Mindoro.
Col. M. Consuelo Castillo, Philippine Air Force information officer, explained that the aerial drill involved interception techniques by air force pilots to address potential intrusions by foreign aircraft into Philippine airspace. Notably, the US-B52 bomber, originating from Guam, was intercepted by Philippine air force pilots and subsequently escorted.
“The US and Philippine air assets conducted a fly-by in the hotly contested waters of the EEZ amid China’s incursions in Philippine sovereign waters and the country’s territorial limits,” Castillo stated, highlighting the significance of the joint operation.
Addressing concerns about China’s potential negative response to the air drill, Col. Xerxes Trinidad reassured that the combined patrol was part of the ongoing MCA, which is conducted within the Philippines’ EEZ. The primary objective of these activities is to enhance the interoperability between the armed forces of both countries and strengthen the capabilities of the Philippine Air Force in fulfilling its mandate to protect the nation’s territory, sovereign rights, and national interests in the WPS.
Castillo further emphasized that the MCA is not directed towards any specific country and is in full compliance with the international rules-based order. The activities conducted within the Philippines’ territory and EEZ are in accordance with established legal frameworks, ensuring the protection of Philippine sovereignty and adherence to international norms.
The involvement of the United States and other like-minded nations in maritime cooperative activities demonstrates a shared commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. By conducting joint exercises and patrols, these nations enhance their collective capabilities and send a clear message of deterrence to potential aggressors.
Furthermore, these activities serve as a platform for knowledge sharing and capacity building, allowing participating countries to learn from each other’s experiences and best practices. The interoperability achieved through these exercises enables more effective responses to security challenges, such as illegal fishing, piracy, and other maritime threats.
In conclusion, the maritime cooperative activities between the Philippines, the United States, and other like-minded nations play a vital role in promoting peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region. These exercises enhance the capabilities of the armed forces involved and contribute to the protection of territorial integrity and national interests. By adhering to international rules and norms, these activities demonstrate a commitment to upholding the principles of a rules-based order and fostering cooperation among nations.
Source: The Manila Times
