The Philippines has officially informed the United States it had suspended joint patrols in the South China Sea with its long-time ally, following the orders from President Duterte. "They have been suspended for the time being. They know it already," Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana told reporters yesterday, adding he had relayed the decision to the chief of the US Pacific Command when he was in Hawaii at the start if this month.

Phl informs US: no more joint sea patrols. (2016, October 8). Philippine Star, pp. 1, 9.