Presence of foreign aircraft expected in future resupply missions –AFP

The Armed Forces of the Philippines on Saturday said the continued presence of foreign aircraft could be expected in future West Philippine Sea resupply missions, according to a 24 Oras report by Mav Gonzales on Saturday.

An aircraft from an unknown country was spotted monitoring the Ayungin Shoal resupply mission last Wednesday.

“What they are providing us is a view from above so that, as I’ve said, we will know what is happening on the ground. That is very important in the formulation of strategies, campaigns, or operational plans that will be effective only in providing additional capability, which we don’t have yet,” said AFP Spokesperson Medel Aguilar.

As to whether the Philippines had requested the presence of US aircraft during resupply missions or was the US sending aircraft on its own, Aguilar said, “We have a mutual defense treaty."

Asked if US aircraft could be expected to be present in the next resupply mission, the military spokesperson said, "We can expect that because I think that is also important.”

The National Task Force-West Philippine Sea announced on Wednesday that the Philippines completed another resupply mission to the Ayungin Shoal despite harassment from Chinese vessels. — Jiselle Casucian/DVM, GMA Integrated News