The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) disclosed on Thursday the possibility of including other countries in the Philippine-United States joint patrol in the West Philippine Sea.
This came as Ma. Teresita Daza, DFA spokesperson, also confirmed that the Philippine government is already in the process of crafting the guidelines for the conduct of combined maritime activities, such as joint patrols, in the West Philippine Sea, which is part of the highly-contested South China Sea.
"Operational details, including on the possibility of engaging other regional partners, will be part of PH-US discussions within the framework of the Mutual Defense Board and Security Engagement Board (MDB-SEB)," she said.
Daza issued the update after Australian Ambassador to the Philippines HK Yu reported as saying that conversations are ongoing about possible joint patrols among Australia, the US, the Philippines and Japan for the promotion of international law.
Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez was also reported as confirming the plan; although the Japanese Embassy in Manila, when asked for comment, said "there is no specific plan or discussion about the alleged joint patrol."
Various countries have come together to call for freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea amid China's aggression in the said waters.
The countries also called to ensure peace and stability in the region amid looming tensions.