Maritime patrols to continue despite oil price hikes – NavyThe BRP Jose Rizal, USS Benfold, HMAS Hobart and JS Akizuki sail in formation during the 6th Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activities held in the West Philippine Sea in February 2025. MANILA, Philippines — Soaring fuel prices will not stop the Philippine Navy from conducting regular patrols in the West Philippine Sea, as it stressed that “sovereignty has no price.”“Our patrols, our operations will continue because this is our mandate,” Philippine Navy spokesman for the West Philippine Sea (WPS) Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad yesterday said. “There are no indicators of reduction (in patrols). Trinidad said the Navy has already begun implementing energy conservation measures. As to the operational matters of the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines), I would like to say that sovereignty has no price,” he said.

Source: Philippine Star March 16, 2026 16:35 UTC