By Priam Nepomuceno | Philippine News Agency
The United States Task Force Ayungin is not directly participating in any operations at the Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea, National Security Adviser (NSA) Eduardo Año said Thursday (Nov. 21).
“Actually, that is internally (on) the side of the U.S., at ’yong ating WESCOM (Western Command) ang in-charge dyan sa, for example, for Ayungin, RORE (rotation and reprovisioning)—that’s for the Wescom,” Año answered reporters in an interview at the sidelines of the 25th ASEAN Chiefs of Army Multilateral Meeting (ACAMM) and the 12th ASEAN Sergeants Major Annual Meeting (ASMAM) joint opening ceremony in Clark, Pampanga.
Since the unit is internal to the US, Año said it is up to them on how they would support the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Earlier, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III lauded members of the US Task Force Ayungin and thanked them for their efforts in behalf of Americans, as well as alliances and partnerships in the region.
This took place shortly after the US defense chief’s Nov. 19 visit to Puerto Princesa, Palawan where he visited various military facilities.
Asked about Washington DC’s involvement in Manila’s operations at the Ayungin Shoal, the NSA said the Americans are only providing surveillance support.
“Well, they are providing support to us, for example, ISR (intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance), maritime domain awareness, so tumutulong sila (they are providing) information about that. But on actual direct participation, it’s purely a Philippine operation,” Año added.