Pentagon 'no statement' on US aircraft seen during PH resupply mission to BRP Sierra Madre

WASHINGTON D.C - The Pentagon had no direct answer to queries about an American aircraft seen during the recent resupply mission of the Philippines to BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal. 

During a press briefing, Pentagon Press Secretary Brigadier General Pat Ryder did not directly answer the question, but he mentioned the United States' support for the Philippines regarding the issue of national sovereignty will remain.

"I don't have anything specific to report in terms of U.S. military assistance. I believe the Philippines can provide details about their operations," Ryder said. 

The Pentagon Press Secretary, meanwhile, said that the U.S. is keeping a watchful eye and are ready to assist if the Philippines wishes.

"We have publicly expressed our support for the Philippines and their right to sovereignty, as well as their right to operate within their own waters. Broadly speaking, we will continue to work closely with the Philippines to provide support as they request. And I'll leave it at that," explained Ryder. 

A US Navy surveillance plane circled near Second Thomas Shoal while the China Coast Guard and Chinese Maritime Militia were harassing the Philippines' resupply mission.

Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. on Friday said that the aircraft seen during the resupply mission was part of a freedom of navigation operations of the US.

“In the role of the United States in those resupplies, they were providing freedom of navigation, they were conducting freedom of navigation operations on their own uncoordinated with us, which they do on a regular basis anyway,” Teodoro said.

“Well, they (US) might have coordinated it. But that's below my level of coordination if ever,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Pentagon Press Secretary stated that they support the Philippines' position that Thomas Shoal, which China aims to occupy, is part of the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone.

"I think the Philippines has been clear about their view regarding that ship and Second Thomas Shoal. We support the Philippines in defending and protecting their sovereign waters," said Ryder.

Ryder also clarified that the joint military exercises in the South China Sea involving Japan, Australia, and the Philippines are unrelated to the incident at Thomas Shoal.

"Our exercises were planned well in advance and coordinated. These exercises are designed to ensure that our countries can collaborate effectively, be interoperable, learn from each other, and strengthen the security cooperation relationships we have. This exercise is one of many that we conduct with partners and allies throughout the region,” he added. —VAL, GMA Integrated News