MANILA — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) executed a standard maritime patrol near Bajo de Masinloc in the West Philippine Sea on Thursday, October 15, aimed at maintaining a continuous presence and defending the nation’s maritime rights.
Directed by the Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM), the deployment featured the Philippine Navy frigate BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-6) alongside an AW109 naval helicopter.
”The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) through the Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM), conducted a routine maritime patrol in the vicinity of Bajo de Masinloc in the West Philippine Sea on October 15, reaffirming its commitment to maintaining a sustained maritime presence and safeguarding the country’s territorial integrity and maritime interests,” the AFP stated.
Situated roughly 124 nautical miles west of Zambales province, Bajo de Masinloc—internationally recognized as Scarborough Shoal or Panatag Shoal—lies well within the 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone of the Philippines.
This operation coincided with the 16th Bilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) between Philippine and United States forces, highlighting the persistent strategic alliance between the two countries. The U.S. Navy contributed the mine countermeasures ship USS Warrior (MCM-10) to the drills, while the Philippine Coast Guard deployed the patrol vessel BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV-9702).
Both nations’ assets performed passing honors and coordinated photo exercises during the engagement.
”The latest iteration of MCA underscores the Philippines and the United States’ continued commitment to strengthening defense cooperation, enhancing maritime capabilities, and supporting a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific,” the military noted.
According to military officials, the joint maneuvers and patrol operations are designed to boost maritime domain awareness and sharpen tactical synergy across the contested waterway.
Throughout the mission, Philippine Navy personnel closely tracked two People’s Liberation Army-Navy (PLA-N) ships and a single China Coast Guard (CCG) cutter operating in the shoal’s vicinity. Navy reports indicated that one of the Chinese warships approached as close as 0.6 nautical mile to the BRP Miguel Malvar, though it displayed no aggressive actions.
Additionally, a Chinese military helicopter launched from a PLA-N vessel shadowed a Philippine Navy aircraft during its transit toward the area.
While authorities also noted the presence of Chinese maritime militia vessels, a research vessel, and multiple buoys, the AFP confirmed that no newly constructed installations were observed.