Phl, US hold another joint activity in WPS

Naval forces of the Philippines and the United States Indo-Pacific Command completed another joint activity in the West Philippine Sea yesterday, in what officials stressed was a show of commitment of both nations to boost regional security and stability.

- MICHAEL PUNONGBAYAN and BELLA CARIASO

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced a successful third Philippine-US Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) in Philippine territorial waters, involving the Philippine Navy's BRP Gregorio del Pilar and US Navy's USS Gabrielle Giffords. Gregorio del Pilar's AW109 helicopter and Gabrielle Giffords' MH-60S Sea Hawk were involved in the activity featuring advanced planning and maritime communication operations within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone.

The AFP said the MCA, now a routine activity for both Filipino and US militaries, has been effective in enhancing interoperability through the conduct of maritime security and maritime domain awareness operations.

The activity also involved communication exercise, photo exercise and division tactics or Officer of the Watch Maneuver.

"The continuous maritime cooperative activity manifests the enduring partnership between the Philippines and the US militaries," AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said.

"It demonstrates our commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, and fosters closer cooperation towards further enhancing our maritime capabilities," he said.

Resupply mission unimpeded