The Philippine Navy has further strengthened its alliance with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) as part of the measures to enhance professional expertise and operational interoperability between the two countries.

Read Admiral Joe Anthony C. Orbe, commander of the Navy’s Philippine Fleet, said the four-day visit of the JMSDF destroyer Harusame (DD102) that started on Wednesday, Nov. 26, also reaffirmed the two nations’ commitment to supporting the shared goal of a secure and stable maritime environment through bilateral trust.

“This visit underscores the continued efforts to strengthen maritime cooperation and foster stronger ties between the Philippine Navy and the JMSDF,” Orbe said.

During the visit, Orbe assured the visiting JMSDF delegates, led by Commander Makoto Ozawa, of the Navy’s readiness to provide any assistance they may require.

The two officials exchanged insights from their experiences as ship commanding officers as the JMSDF destroyer Harusame made port at Naval Operating Base-Subic, Zambales.

As part of the visit, a shipboard tour of the JMSDF destroyer by the Philippine Fleet Commander and staff was conducted which allowed them to familiarize the vessel’s equipment and technology, while also promoting knowledge sharing and enhancing mutual appreciation of each other’s maritime assets and operational procedures.

The visit will conclude with a send-off ceremony on Nov. 29.

Regular patrol

Aside from strengthening alliance with allied countries, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine Coast Guard have been stepping up patrols in the West Philippine Sea amid the presence of Chinese vessels.

Navy spokesman Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad earlier said that the AFP has an ongoing patrol on air and sea in the West Philippine Sea under the Northern Luzon Command and Western Command.

Strategies

The regular patrol and the broadening of alliance with other countries are among the strategies that would safeguard the country’s sovereignty, protect maritime rights, and uphold a rules-based international order, according to Jose Antonio Goitia, chairman emeritus of four civic-oriented groups that include Filipinos Do Not Yield Movement.

“Presence is power, especially when it is grounded in legality. Even with limited assets, the Philippines demonstrates resolve and shows the world that strength is defined by commitment, not intimidation,” said Goitia.

“When nations stand with you, aggression becomes harder to hide and impossible to justify. These partnerships show that the Philippines is far from isolated and that China’s actions are under global scrutiny,” he added.

Aside from the two, Goitia mentioned the strategy of documenting violations of international laws that include ramming and use of water cannons on Philippine vessels, as well as the mobilization of other government agencies for a whole-of-nation approach in defending the Philippine territory as good ways to safeguard the country’s sovereignty.

He praised the AFP’s decisive initiatives to protect the country,” They reflect a nation that refuses to bow to bullying and coercion.”

Goitia called on Filipinos to remain vigilant and united amid the AFP’s strengthened approach, “Sovereignty survives only when a nation chooses courage over fear and truth over intimidation. The Philippines will stand its ground. It will not yield to bullying."