Philippines ships, fighters jets patrol Benham Rise

MANILA, Philippines — Bell CariasoShips from the Philippine Navy and aircraft including FA-50 fighter jets of the Philippine Air Force are now being utilized to patrol the country’s territorial waters in Benham Rise.

These joint patrol activities, according to the Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, are in pursuit of the national objectives to secure the country’s maritime domain that include the Benham Rise, now known as Philippine Rise.

It added that the Joint Task Force Karagatan synchronized the deployment of BRP Condrado Yap, C-90 aircraft of the Philippine Navy, and FA-50 planes of the Air Force to carry out the maritime patrol.

The Philippine Navy said aircraft flew by while the sailors on board the Navy warship were conducting a flag-raising ceremony. This formed part of a series of activities by Nolcom in celebration of the 125th Philippine Independence Day and the 6th commemoration of the Philippine Rise.

Nolcom commander Lt. Gen. Fernyl Buca presided over a ceremony on June 12 at the Naval Operating Base in Subic, Zambales to send off Condrado Yap and BRP Waray to patrol maritime areas that include Bajo de Masinloc, the northernmost group of islands in the country and Philippine Rise.

The Philippine Navy said joint maritime activities are manifestations of the Armed Forces’ resolve to defend the country’s territorial integrity.