AFP patrols seas in Luzon, holds exercise with US Marines in Mindanao

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced on Saturday, April 12, that it had conducted a sovereignty patrol in the Luzon Strait, while simultaneously holding joint military exercises with United States (US) forces in Mindanao, provid-ing coordinated efforts that sought to enhance 360-degree maritime domain awareness and strengthen national defense capabilities across the country.

- By MARTIN SADONGDONG

In Luzon, the Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) staged a maritime patrol in the coastal waters of La Union up to Batanes from April 9 to 10, said Nolcom commander Lt. Gen. Fernyl Buca.

The BRP Gregorio del Pilar (PS15), BRP Heracleo Alano (PC380), and BRP Nestor Reinoso (PC376) also conducted maritime drills while patrolling Luzon Strait.

They also completed a rotation and resupply (RORE) mission to troops stationed in the different islands of Batanes including at the naval detach-ment in Mavulis Island, which shelters the soldiers that guard the country’s northernmost territory.