MANILA – Philippine jet fighters and US bomber planes on Monday conducted a joint patrol as part of the Maritime Cooperative Activity.
Philippine Air Force Spokesman Col. Ma Consuelo Castillo stated that the patrol encompassed regions situated 90 nautical miles west of Candon, Ilocos Sur, and 50 nautical miles northwest of Lubang Island in Mindoro.
During the patrol, two US B52H bomber planes and three Philippine FA-50 jet fighters conducted a fly-by within the country’s exclusive economic zone.
“This cooperative activity aims to bolster cooperation between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and their US counterparts, thereby enhancing interoperability between its Air Forces,” Castillo said.
She mentioned that the activity showcased the commitment of both nations to a free Indo-Pacific region.
“With this activity, the PAF underscores its commitment and readiness to support efforts in safeguarding the national territory and sovereign rights, and upholding regional peace and security,” Castillo said.
On February 9, US and Philippine ships sailed in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), marking the third successful maritime activity by both nations this year.
The US Navy’s USS Gabrielle Giffords, an independence-class littoral combat ship, and the Philippine Navy’s BRP Gregorio del Pilar navigated the WPS without any hindrance.
