Palace says landing of Ilyushin II 76 in Davao was cleared
(Eagle News) — Senator Panfilo Lacson on Monday, June 11, questioned the landing of a Chinese military aircraft in Davao City, saying “strict internationally accepted standard protocols” must be complied with beforehand.
“For one, a request through proper diplomatic channels is made beforehand, and the same is forwarded to the defense department who will either approve or reject such request,” Lacson said.
According to the senator,”if such protocol was not observed, and worse, if our concerned officials were not even aware until such Chinese military aircraft had already landed, then, we acted like a province of China rather than an independent and sovereign state.”
If it was complied with, “being silent or vague on this issue will only raise more questions,” he said.
Earlier, Special Assistant to the President Bong Go said the landing of Ilyushin II 76 had been coordinated.
He said there was clearance from the Department of National Defense, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines and the Department of Foreign Affairs.
