AFP stands firm in conducting patrols in WPS amid China criticism

The Armed Forces of the Philippines has stood its ground in conducting patrols in the West Philippine Sea, following China’s statement saying that this move undermines peace and stability in the region.

Philippine Navy spokesperson for West Philippine Sea Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said Sunday that the Chinese Communist Party has been the cause of “instability” in the West Philippine Sea, which is within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

“Our exercises in BdM (Bajo de Masinloc) are scheduled, duly coordinated, and pre-approved and are w/in our EEZ. They will be conducted by our forces, in partnership w/ our treaty ally and w/ other like-minded nations,” Trinidad said in a Viber message to GMA News Online.

“This pattern of unlawful actions are also done against other maritime states in Southeast Asia. Their patrols and so-called exercises over Bajo de Masinloc is another illegal action that should stop as they have no basis in international law,” he added.

China conducted naval and air patrols in the South China Sea from Monday (February 2) to Friday (February 6).

"In an attempt to stir up troubles in the South China Sea, the Philippine side roped in countries outside the region and conducted so-called 'bilateral air patrol', undermining peace and stability in the region," the statement from the China Southern Theater Command read.

China said it will remain on high alert to safeguard what it claims as its territory following the Philippines’ bilateral air patrol.

On the same days, the Philippine Air Force and the Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) conducted a Bilateral Bomber Air Patrol and Live Drop Exercise in different locations, including the West Philippine Sea via the Luzon Strait.

The bilateral patrol was also supported by the Special Operations Command Pacific and US Marine Corps Forces, Pacific.

It involved coordinated air activities to strengthen cooperation and interoperability between Philippine and US forces.

On Monday, the PAF and PACAF conducted a live drop exercise at Colonel Ernesto Rabina Air Base in Tarlac City, involving PAF FA-50PH fighters and US B-52 bombers.

It then continued with an air defense scenario over the West Philippine Sea on Wednesday, focusing on airspace coordination, command-and-control integration, and joint operational response.  

On Friday, the activity concluded with a joint bomber air patrol over the West Philippine Sea and Luzon Strait, showing coordinated planning and operational readiness among Philippine and US forces.

“These activities enhanced bilateral interoperability, operational readiness, and strategic cooperation through joint planning, coordination, and execution in a realistic training environment,” the Philippine Air Force said in a social media post.

“Through these combined air activities and multi-domain support, the PAF continued to strengthen defense partnerships and reinforce its capability to safeguard national airspace and uphold sovereignty,” it added. —with a report from Reuters/KG, GMA Integrated News