AFP says more nations want to hold joint exercises with PH

FILE PHOTO: Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar /Photo from AFPCMOS Facebook

MANILA, Philippines — A lot of countries are looking to conduct joint activities with the Philippines, according to Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar on Thursday.

Aguilar was asked at the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon public briefing if there were other exercises after the United States (US) and the Philippines conducted a joint patrol in the heavily contested West Philippine Sea.

“Marami po ang gustong magkaroon ng joint activities with us; we are ironing out the necessary terms, references, agreement so that magkaroon po tayo ng tamang proseso, sundin natin ang tamang proseso,” said Aguilar.

READ: Bongbong Marcos: PH needs US, allies amid rising tension in West PH Sea

(There are a lot who want to have joint activities with us; we are ironing out the necessary terms, references, agreement so that we can have the rightprocess, let us just follow the right process.)

Aguilar said however, he could not divulge any further information at the moment. However, he assured that these would promote Philippine interest.

READ: 80% of Filipinos want ‘strengthened alliances’ to protect West PH Sea — survey

“But the good thing is, there are a lot of countries that are very interested in partnering with us in the conduct of several of activities and that we believed will also help us promote our national interest,” Aguilar said.

China continuously encroaches on the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone, prompting condemnation from countries like the US and Japan.