Philippine and US forces launched their first joint patrol of 2026 near Scarborough Shoal in the West Philippine Sea. The operation brought together Philippine Navy and Coast Guard ships with US naval vessels and aircraft, conducting coordinated drills and maneuvers near the contested shoal, which has seen increased Chinese activity in recent months. Analysts say the patrol underscores the Philippines’ reliance on strong alliances to protect its maritime sovereignty and secure vital sea lanes.
A Strong Alliance in Action
The patrol included a modern Philippine warship, a coast guard vessel, fighter aircraft, a US guided missile destroyer, and a naval helicopter. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said the operation focused on safety, coordination, and readiness at sea, while demonstrating the strength of the AFP-US alliance.
The patrol builds on the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty, which remains central to Manila’s security strategy. In recent years,
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