US Sec Def Lloyd Austin visits AFP Western Command in Palawan

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin visited the Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Command in Palawan alongside Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., as part of their bilateral engagements.

During his visit, Austin toured the Command and Control Fusion Center at Antonio Bautista Air Base and met with American service members deployed to Task Force Ayungin, expressing gratitude for their support.

The U.S. troops in Palawan provide technical assistance through information-sharing within the Command and Control Fusion Center, enhancing maritime domain awareness and protecting Philippine interests in the West Philippine Sea.

Austin highlighted the need for deeper coordination to address challenges in the South China Sea, where lawful operations by the Philippines have faced repeated harassment from Chinese vessels.

US Task Force Ayungin was established following a violent confrontation in June 2023 when Chinese coast guard vessels attacked Philippine soldiers stationed at Ayungin Shoal, resulting in one soldier losing a finger and damage to Navy boats.