"US troops in Palawan provide technical assistance through the information-sharing group within the Command and Control Fusion Center in Western Command," AFP public affairs office chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad said in a statement yesterday.
"This support enhances our capability in maritime domain awareness, a critical task that aids in planning and implementing programs and activities to protect our interests in the West Philippine Sea (WPS),"" he added. He gave no further details.
The public affairs office of the Joint US Military Assistance Group also declined to share more information about Task Force Ayungin.
National Security Adviser Eduardo Año also confirmed the activities of Task Force Ayungin, but clarified that the unit is "internal" to the US and that all military activities or operations in Ayungin Shoal and in the West Philippine Sea in general such as supply missions were solely carried out by the Philippines.
"Actually, that is internally the side of the US," Año said of the task force's operations.
"As for us, we remain the same and it's the WESCOM that's in charge," he explained, noting that the Philippine Army, the Area Task Force West, and even the Philippine Coast Guard assist in WESCOM'S operations.
"The US task force, as you may have heard in interviews, is a US task force, meaning to say it is internal to them on how they will support the armed forces," Año said.
He said the US Task Force Ayungin's support for the AFP mainly covers intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance and maritime domain awareness.
This story is from the November 22, 2024 edition of The Philippine Star.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the November 22, 2024 edition of The Philippine Star.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Bank presidents share bullish outlook for 2025
As 2024 draws to a close, bank leaders are optimistic about 2025, highlighting resilience, growth opportunities as well as cautious optimism amid global challenges.
BDO's Cash Management Becomes Tool for Financial Inclusion
A number of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Negros Occidental will soon be able to utilize BDO Unibank's cash management services (CMS) not only to efficiently manage their cashflow, but also to serve as an important financial inclusion tool for their own employees.
Crown Asia Glimmers with Anticipation of Reunion this Christmas
As the season of light unfolds, Christmas reveals its true brilliance in the joy of reunion.
Camella Spreads Christmas Warmth Across Its Communities
Camella communities around the islands came alive this Christmas with the warmth of Filipino traditions.
Phl one of fastest-growing economies in Asia
The Marcos administration has made 2024 a banner year for economic achievements and has once again successfully positioned the Philippines as among the fastest-growing economies in Asia despite global challenges such as geopolitical tensions.
The story of our Christmas ham
The combined love my brothers and I have for our mother is bigger and wider than the sky.
Forging ahead in 2025
In a few days, we bid farewell to another year and welcome 2025 with optimism.
TRENDS WE'RE KEEPING AND LEAVING IN 2025
From run clubs to being nonchalant, what's in and out this coming year?
For Maki, Love Is Like A Bright Summer Day
The second I hear the sunny first notes of Dilaw by singer-songwriter Maki, I instantly feel my blood pressure diminish.
HOW DO WE GROW TOGETHER?
Artist collective 98B COLLABoratory's 'Growing Together' shows us that sustainability begins with nurturing our communities.
