US aircraft arrive in Puerto Princesa for MASA 2023 exercise with AFP

Several US military aircraft landed in Puerto Princesa, Palawan for this year's Marine Aviation Support Activity or MASA 2023 exercise with the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

According to a 24 Oras report by Chino Gaston on Tuesday, the activity included high-altitude, low-opening parachute exercises and jungle environment survival training.

The Philippine Air Force had earlier participated in defensive counter-air exercises using their FA-50 jet aircraft, along with US F-22 fifth generation fighter jets.

While they believed it unlikely that a conflict would break out, the AFP said they were ready to defend Philippine sovereignty should a conflict arise due to the increased number of Chinese vessels at the Reed Bank.

“We volunteered for this kind of work. No one forced us to join the military service. We know the danger attached to our task. That is the ultimate sacrifice that we need to offer when it comes to that, but of course the Filipino will support us.” Armed Forces of the Philippines Spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar said.

Meanwhile, the AFP deployed detachments in Northern Luzon and the Batanes for surveillance. Furthermore, non-stop patrols at the Benham Rise and air surveillance continued around the country due to the territorial tensions in the West Philippine Sea.

“The deployment of additional surface patrol ships... increases the AFP’s presence to about 90 percent of the time. This is a dramatic increase from the baseline of 30% in 2022.” AFP Public Affairs Office Chief Lieutenant Colonel Enrico Girl Ileto said. — Jiselle Casucian/DVM, GMA Integrated News