U.S. Conducts Joint Naval Patrols With The Philippine Navy In The Sulu Sea

VOA: US, Philippines Navy Ships Patrol Sulu Sea

MANILA — The United States and Philippine navies held a joint naval patrol Saturday in dangerous southern Philippine waters, amid rising international concern about Islamist militancy and piracy in the region.

U.S. Navy combat ship USS Coronado joined a Philippine Navy frigate, BRP Alcaraz, in patrolling the Sulu Sea, where numerous pirate attacks on commercial shipping have been made since 2015.

“Our at-sea operations with the Philippine Navy demonstrate our commitment to the alliance and deter piracy and illegal activities,” U.S. Rear Admiral Don Gabrielson said in a statement issued by the U.S. embassy in Manila.

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WNU Editor: The Philippines are also conducting joint naval patrols with Indonesia .... Indonesia, Philippines jointly patrol Celebes Sea to cut off militants (New Straits Times Online).

More News On The U.S. Conducting Joint Naval Patrols With The Philippine Navy In The Sulu Sea

US, Philippine navies patrol troubled waters in Philippines -- Navy Times/AP
U.S. and Philippine Navies Coordinate Piracy Patrol -- Maritime Executive
US, Philippines hold naval patrol in troubled waters to deter Islamist extremists -- International Business Times
Philippines says U.S. military to upgrade bases, defense deal intact -- Reuters

Update: Russian media is claiming that China sent warships and fighter jets to warn the US warship to keep away .... Chinese Fighter Jets, Ships Warn Off USS Stethem Sailing Near S China Sea Island (Sputnik).