“BAYAN MUNA” demands probe of US drone found in Masbate

LEGAZPI CITY—“BAYAN MUNA” Party list Representative Teddy Casiṅo in a statement sent to Bicol newsmen on Tuesday (Jan. 8) called for a probe on the finding of a US- made unmanned aerial vehicle or “drone” found off the coast of San Jacinto  town on Ticao island in Masbate last Jan.7 and demanded that the US government stop its espionage operations in the country.

“Dapat talagang imbestigahan ang pang yayaring ito dahil tila minamanmanan tayo ng mga dayuhan sa sarili nating bansa at napakaraming tanong na dapat sagutin.

“This incident is alarming and a potential infringement on our territorial sovereignty. The US as well as Philippine governments have a lot of explaining to do,” Casiṅo said.

Casiṅo said there are at least 5 questions that need to be answered by Philippine and US authorities.

What was the drone doing in that area and what is its mission?

Was the Philippine government aware of its presence and operation?

Who gave the clearances for such an operation?

What was the legal basis if indeed clearance was given?

If no clearance was obtained, will the Philippine government file a protest?

“The answers to these questions are of paramount importance and have to be provided at once unless a cover up is being done. It appears that the US is infringing upon our territorial sovereignty with impunity and we from Makabayan will not take this sitting down,” said Casiṅo. (SONNY SALES)