AFP, US stage patrol in West PH Sea as tension with China heats up anew

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the United States Indo-Pacific Command (US Indopacom) carried out their 10th bilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) to deepen operational coordination amid flaring tension in disputed waters with China.

- By MARTIN SADONGDONG

The latest drill was held within the country's exclusive economic zone (EEZ), specifically west of Zambales, on Monday, Dec. 15, according to AFP chief information officer Col. Xerxes Trinidad.

Trinidad said the activity came less than a week after the ninth MCA on Dec. 9 to 10, signaling a quicker tempo in joint maritime activities between the two allied forces.

The AFP deployed the guided missile frigate BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06), which was supported by three A-29B Super Tucano aircraft, three FA-50 fighter jets, and a Sokol search-and-rescue helicopter.