The Philippine Army (PA) said Sunday, Nov. 23, that its Aviation Regiment has completed yet another air patrol over key waters in Western Mindanao, enhancing its role in maritime security to protect the country’s borders.

The operation conducted by the Special Mission Aviation Company covered the Zamboanga Peninsula and the island provinces of Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi, which the PA considers as strategic locations frequently monitored “due to their proximity to international borders and vulnerability to smuggling, piracy, and extremist movements.”

“The operation forms part of the service’s strengthened commitment to Maritime Domain Awareness, a critical component in safeguarding the country’s territorial integrity and asserting national sovereignty over its maritime zones,” the Aviation Regiment said in a statement.

It added that the operation highlighted the growing role of the Aviation Regiment in supporting joint maritime security operations, especially as it continues to widen its operational reach across the country’s archipelagic waters.

“As the Aviation Regiment expands its operational capabilities, it remains committed to ensuring the security of the country’s territorial seas and its exclusive economic zone,” the Aviation Regiment said.

To further bolster these capabilities, the Aviation Regiment recently joined a maritime air surveillance subject matter expert exchange and workshop with the Australian Defence Force (ADF) to enhance its technical proficiency and coordination with foreign partners.

The Aviation Regiment stressed that sustained patrols and continued engagement with allied forces are essential to maintaining stability across the country’s maritime zones, including its exclusive economic zone.