U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin revealed that American soldiers are deployed in the Philippines under Task Force Ayungin, a unit associated with the Philippine military’s Western Command.
Although the specific roles of the soldiers remain unspecified, their presence is linked to the West Philippine Sea area.
During his visit to Palawan, Austin met with U.S. service members and emphasized the significance of the U.S.-Philippines alliance for regional stability.
Austin also toured key military sites, including the Antonio Bautista Airbase, expressing gratitude for the collaborative efforts in responding to recent typhoons.
The name “Ayungin” refers to a territory in the Philippines’ West Philippine Sea, where the BRP Sierra Madre is stationed.
A photo released by Austin shows uniformed U.S. military personnel during a briefing with his Filipino counterpart, Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, Secretary of National Defense.
“Our presence here is critical for our alliance with the Philippines and for regional peace and stability,” Austin stated in a post on X.
Additionally, Austin expressed appreciation to U.S. and Filipino troops, along with diplomatic personnel, for their joint efforts in addressing a series of six consecutive typhoons that recently impacted the country.
The resupply activities for the BRP Sierra Madre have become flashpoints of tension between Manila and Beijing.
A mission on June 17 at Ayungin Shoal was described by the Philippine military as involving the “looting” of its disassembled high-powered guns, which even led to the thumb amputation of one of its naval personnel.
