Phl, US eye more joint patrols in SCS

The United States and the Philippines discussed increasing the frequency of combined maritime activities and joint patrols to support the Philippines’ lawful exercise of its rights in the South China Sea, the US Department of Defense said.

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A readout of US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III’s meeting with President Marcos said they discussed opportunities to deepen bilateral planning and operational cooperation.

Marcos and Austin also agreed to accelerate a number of bilateral initiatives to enhance information-sharing, interoperability and capability enhancements for the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

They applauded the April 7 maritime cooperative activity within the Philippine exclusive economic zone with Australia, Japan, the Philippines and the US, an example of the ways the two countries are working more closely with like-minded nations to strengthen shared principles, including the rule of law, freedom of the seas, and respect for territorial sovereignty.