In 1262/1263, Philes was dispatched along with the "parakoimomenos" John Makrenos to the Morea, in an expedition against the Principality of Achaea headed by the "sebastokrator" Constantine Palaiologos. The Byzantine forces were defeated at the Battle of Prinitza, and after the "sebastokrator" departed for Constantinople, Philes and Makrenos were left in charge. They too, however, were defeated and captured by the Achaeans at the Battle of Makryplagi. Philes died in captivity soon after.