Philippines shows support by
allowing U.S. to land, refuel planes
From Stripes and wire reports
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines has been letting U.S.
military planes refuel on its territory and use its airspace as part of its contribution
to the American-led response to the Sept. 11 terror attacks, an official said Sunday.
Three F-18 Hornet fighter jets from a U.S. military base in Japan,
refueled in the central province of Cebu on Thursday before heading on to the Middle East,
said Air Transport Office chief Adelberto Yap.
Other U.S. military planes also have been allowed to fly over the
Philippines, he said, but he would not say how many. He said the close U.S. ally will
provide other ground services for aircraft that ferry troops and equipment.
“We’ll help them to the end. What are friends for?” he
said.
The U.S. Embassy in Manila has appointed liaison officers to seek
permission for each flight that enters Philippine territory, Yap said.
He added that the flights must comply with the country’s laws,
including a ban on nuclear weapons.
Yap added the Philippines, a former U.S. colony, will provide other
ground services while the aircraft ferry troops and equipment. He did not give further
details.
The United States had been concentrating forces in the Middle East
and has threatened military action against Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers, who have
refused to surrender the prime suspect in the attacks, Saudi exile Osama bin Laden.
The Philippines is located along the fastest route for U.S. aircraft
from Asian bases to the Indian Ocean, where the United States has a military facility on
the British-owned island of Diego Garcia.
Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s administration
has pledged full backing for Washington’s international campaign against terrorism.
Arroyo’s National Security Council also has endorsed a proposal
to join with Malaysia and Indonesia in a regional anti-terrorism coalition. The three
countries face growing Muslim extremism.
Stripes’ reporter Mark Oliva contributed to this
report.
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