US Task Force Ayungin supports but does not directly participate in Philippine ops

National Security Adviser Eduardo Año clarified that the US Task Force Ayungin provides support to Philippine forces operating at Ayungin Shoal but does not directly participate in actual missions.

Año stated during an interview on '24 Oras' that the task force aids with intelligence, surveillance, and maritime domain awareness but does not engage in resupply missions or direct operations.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin visited the AFP Western Command in Palawan as part of bilateral engagements, meeting American service members involved in Task Force Ayungin.

The US Embassy confirmed that the task force enhances coordination between US and Philippine forces to address regional challenges and promote stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

According to the AFP, the US troops provide technical assistance through information-sharing at a command center, enhancing the Philippines' maritime domain awareness capabilities.