February 26, 2024 | NEWS DIGEST

 

By API Desk | Date 02-26-2024

 

Philippines, US hold joint air patrols

The Philippines and its close security partner, the United States, held joint air patrols in disputed waters in the West Philippine Sea for the second time, a military spokesman said.

Colonel Xerxes Trinidad said this is also the first time the US Air Force used strategic bombers during the patrol. Meanwhile, three Philippine FA-50s from Basa Air Base flew with the B52J Stratrofortress over Ilocos and Mindoro. 

“This is to enhance both armed forces’ interoperability and enhance the capabilities of our air force (in) performing its mandate of protecting our territory, sovereign rights, and national interests,” Trinidad said.

In April, the two allies would hold their biggest-ever drills, bringing together more than 20,000 men and women in a combined and joint Balikatan exercises in many parts of the country.

Washington transfers used C130 plane to Manila

The United States has transferred a second-hand C-130H transport plane to boost its ally’s heavy-lift capability, an Air Force spokeswoman said.

Colonel Maria Consuelo Castillo in a statement said that the C-130H plane, which was flown from Texas to a Pampanga base, was acquired through the Excess Defense Articles a State Department program. This is the second C130 plane given to the Philippines. 

“The new addition will bolster the Philippine Air Force’s cargo airlift fleet and support humanitarian assistance, disaster relief operations, and various military missions,” said Castillo.

Castillo added that the Air Force now has five operational C130 planes. The C-130 aircraft are the military’s workhorses, transporting troops, supplies, and equipment. 

Nine die in soldiers, Islamist militants clash in Lanao del Norte

Six soldiers and three members of an Islamic State-linked local militant group were killed while four other soldiers were wounded in a gunbattle in a remote town in Lanao del Norte, the military head said.

Brawner said troops from the 44th Infantry Battalion, the 3rd and 8th Scout Ranger Battalions chanced upon a large group of Islamist militants belonging to Daulah Islamiyah-Maute Group in Barangay Ramain in Munai town on Sunday.

The military has been pursuing members of the DI-MG members who were behind the December 3 bombing at the Mindanao State University (MSU) in Marawi City where four people died and 50 others were injured. 

Since December, Brawner said the military had killed a total of 18 Islamist militants, including a top leader, Khadafi Mimbesa, alias Engineer.