Philippines, Japan and US hold drills near Scarborough Shoal, iring China

THE Philippines held joint naval drills with Japan and the US in the South China Sea on Sept. 12 and 13, signaling a growing trilateral partnership in response to increasing maritime tensions in the South China Sea.

- By Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

In a statement on Sunday, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said the Philippine frigate BRP Jose Rizal, US destroyer USS John Finn and Japanese landing ship JS Osumi held antisubmarine warfare drills off the coast of Zambales province, which faces Scarborough Shoal, one of the most volatile flashpoints in the sea dispute between Manila and Beijing.

The joint activity took place in the waters off Magalawa Island, Palauig to Silanguin Island in San Antonio, Zambales.

Four Philippine Air Force FA-50 jets, a US maritime patrol and surveillance aircraft and several helicopters also joined in the exercises that also involved surface warfare maneuver drills, it added.

“The successful conduct of the multilateral maritime cooperative activity not only enhances the interoperability of the participating forces but also reaffirms the Philippines’ steadfast commitment to safeguard its maritime interests and upholding peace and security in the region,” the AFP said.