PH-US patrol in West Philippine Sea ‘on the table,’ says Romualdez

Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez said Tuesday there is a serious discussion between the Philippines and the United States on conducting joint patrols in the West Philippine Sea.

Romualdez made the remark while attending an event organized by the Makati Business Club where US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson was guest speaker.

"I think in the next couple of months, you will see more activities as far as our defense cooperation with the US is concerned. It's part of the program and I think we are going to have these enhanced patrols in the West Philippine Sea fairly quickly," he said in response to a question raised by former Philippine Ambassador Jose Cuisia, an MBC board member.

When pressed for details by members of the media, Romualdez said: "It's on the table let's put it that way. Pinag-uusapan at malalim ang pag-uusap [It's being discussed thoroughly]."

"We will let you know and I'm sure you will know when the joint patrols will take place...We have our joint exercises so joint patrols is also part and parcel of that agreement that we have with the United States," he added. 

Responding to Cuisia's question, Carlson for her part said that combined maritime activities between the Philippines and the US "is vitally important" to enhance the country's safety and security.

"So many fisher folks have their lives wrapped up in fishing so the United States wants to do everything possible. There is an array of  activities we can do. We are certainly working very closely with the Philippine Coast Guard in the that regard. So whether it's joint patrol or any activities…the important thing is it is done in conjunction with our Philippine partners," Carlson said before members of the MBC.

Cuisia told reporters in the sidelines of the event that joint patrols are necessary to counter China's sweeping claims over the South China Sea.

"We have seen the militarization by China of those features in the South China Sea so that is why we are quite concerned about the  actions taken by China. I think it is only the US who can help the Philippines counter such an aggressive stand taken by China," he said. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News