PH, US, Japan Coast Guards hold first ever joint drills

THE Philippines, United States and Japan kicked off their first ever joint coastguard drills on Thursday, as the nations seek to strengthen their maritime cooperation to counter China’s growing assertiveness.

The week-long exercises will be held near the mouth of Manila Bay in the hotly disputed South China Sea, which Beijing claims almost entirely.

Four Philippine Coast Guard ships will be joined by a US Coast Guard cutter and a Japanese Coast Guard cruiser for maneuvers focused on law enforcement, and search and rescue.

THREESOME (From left) Capt. Toru Imai, commanding officer of the Akitsushima of the Japanese Coast Guard; Capt. Antonio Sontillanosa, commanding officer of the MRRV 9702, Philippine Coast Guard and Capt. Brian Krautler, commanding officer of the Stratton of the US Coast Guard link arms to kick off the Philippines’ joint maritime drills with Japan and the US in Bataan.  PHOTOS BY R