The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has declared its recent “symbolic maritime patrol” in the West Philippine Sea a success, conducted ahead of the country's Independence Day on June 12.
Despite the challenging conditions — including the presence of at least three Chinese warships, multiple Chinese Coast Guard and maritime militia vessels, and the threat of inclement weather — the patrol was successfully carried out.
AFP Spokesperson Col. Francel Padilla noted that the patrol demonstrated the military’s capacity to maintain a presence in the nine maritime features under the country’s jurisdiction in the region.
The maritime patrol, joined by DZRH News and several other media personnel, made its way through several key Philippine-held features, including Pag-asa Island, Parola Island, Likas Island, Kota Island, and Panata Island.
"This is not expected, but ito na ang haharapin natin. Mayroon tayong weather condition, and with this, gusto nating mangyari, tuloy-tuloy pa rin itong ating misyon hanggang matapos natin siya,” said Col. Padilla.
"So, ang gusto nating i-highlight dito: we have been very successful for the past few days. Ano ‘yung talagang scope ng mga dapat puntahan, napuntahan natin," she added.
Moreover, Lt. Commander Christian Malabanan, operations officer of BRP Andres Bonifacio, said they are now preparing for the possible impact of a weather disturbance in the east, which is already being felt through the waves on the western side of the archipelago.
"During bad weather, talagang ‘yung mga duties natin medyo may mga challenges na kasi ‘yung iba hindi na talaga makatayo pero naandon sila sa duty nila, sa post nila," Lt. Commander Malabanan stated.
"Since this is a regular maritime patrol, we are prepared for any bad weather or any wave height na sasalubungin namin," he added.
According to RH Edniel Parrosa, media personnel experienced firsthand the difficulties encountered by the AFP during its rotation and resupply missions to the islands that are still undergoing development.
The target is to complete the remaining projects on Pag-asa Island by the end of 2025, with planned upgrades for facilities on Likas Island and other naval detachments in the Kalayaan Island Group also in the pipeline.
