CAAP probes civilian plane intrusion during Balikatan exercises

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) is investigating a civilian aircraft that entered a no-fly zone during the Balikatan exercises in Zambales.

CAAP is coordinating with the Balikatan organizers to identify the aircraft and determine the details of the incident.

The intrusion by the civilian aircraft reportedly interrupted the live-fire exercises on April 26.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is awaiting the results of the CAAP probe.

AFP spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar stated that safety is paramount during the exercises.

The Balikatan exercises, involving 17,600 troops from the US and Philippines, included sinking a decommissioned vessel in the West Philippine Sea.