Duterte’s office plays down landing of Chinese aircraft

De Lima urges Senate to investigate reported influx of Chinese nationals into country

The Philippine presidency has allayed fears about the presence of Chinese military aircraft in Davao City recently, saying the short visit followed protocols.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said in a statement there was nothing unusual about the presence of a People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) aeroplane in the southern Philippine city on June 8.

“As per records of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines [CAAP], the Chinese aircraft made a technical stop in Davao City on June 8 for mere refuelling. Relevant government agencies closely coordinated for the aircraft’s refuelling,” he said.

The internet had been abuzz in recent days over the unexpected presence of the aircraft, a Ilyushin-76 strategic airlifter.

Permission ‘risky’

But even veteran security officials such as Senator Panfilo Lacson aired concerns over the incident. Reports quoted him as saying that granting landing permission to foreign aircraft was risky.

Meanwhile, Senator Leila de Lima said the Philippines may be getting too close for comfort to a neighbour with which it is entangled in a territorial dispute.

De Lima urged her colleagues in the Senate to investigate the reported influx of Chinese nationals into the Philippines.