Philippines eyes civilian sail, more South China Sea patrols

Philippines BRP Jose Rizal (FF150) (right) and USS Gabriel Giffords (LCS 10) during a tactical exercise between Philippines and the United States in the West Philippine Sea on Nov 23, 2023. - AP

MANILA: The Philippines has allowed civilians to sail in the South China Sea and is planning more joint patrols in the area amid a dispute with China.

"Many countries” have expressed interest to join the nation in patrolling contested waters after similar activities with the US and Australia, National Security Council Assistant Director Jonathan Malaya said at a forum Tuesday (Nov 28). He did not specify which countries are seeking patrols with the Philippines.