PH, US air forces hold joint patrol over West PH Sea

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) and the United States Pacific Air Force (PACAF) held a joint patrol over the West Philippines Sea (WPS) on Monday as part of the 3rd Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA).

In a statement, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said three PAF FA-50s accompanied a B-52H bomber aircraft of PACAF from the west of Ilocos Sur to Mindoro Strait. 

“It is the air component of the said activity that demonstrates the commitment of both armed forces to enhancing interoperability and advancing regional peace and security in the Indo-Pacific,” the AFP said.

“It also further strengthens the capability of the AFP to perform its mandate and maintain its presence over the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone,” it added.

In a separate statement, the PAF said the activity was Phase 2 of the 3rd MCA covering areas 90 nautical miles west of Candon, Ilocos Sur and 50 nautical miles northwest of Lubang, Mindoro.

“This cooperative activity aims to bolster cooperation between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and their US counterparts, thereby enhancing interoperability between its Air Forces,” PAF said.

“With this activity, the PAF underscores its commitment and readiness to support the AFP's efforts in safeguarding the national territory and sovereign rights, and upholding regional peace and security,” it added.

'Stirred up trouble'

China's military, meanwhile, called out the activity, saying the Philippines "stirred up trouble" in the South China Sea by conducting a joint air patrol with "extraterritorial countries." 

China's Southern Theater Command said it organized front-line naval and air forces to closely monitor the Philippines' joint air patrol on Monday, and that troops "maintained a high degree of vigilance to resolutely defend national sovereignty."

In response, AFP public affairs office chief Colonel Xerxes Trinidad pointed out that the activity with the US is “well within our [exclusive economic zone].”

“We expect more MCAs in the future with our ally and other like-minded nations in keeping a peaceful and secured Indo-Pacific region,” he said.

Meanwhile, PAF spokesperson Colonel Ma. Consuelo Castillo said that the activity with the US was not directed at any country.

“The MCA is in no way directed towards any country and the activity is in accordance with the international rules based order, as we were operating within our territory and within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone,” she said.

Tensions between China and the Philippines have heightened in recent months as both sides trade accusations over a series of incidents in the South China Sea.

China claims most of the South China Sea, parts of which are also claimed by the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan, Vietnam and Indonesia. 

An international tribunal in 2016 invalidated China's claim in a ruling on a case brought by the Philippines, which Beijing rejects. —with Reuters/KBK/RSJ, GMA Integrated News