AFP says Swift overflight not illegal as it is done over international waters

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 22): AFP says Swift overflight not illegal as it is done over international waters

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) maintained that Pacific Fleet commander Admiral Scott Swift's overflight on the West Philippine Sea (WPS) Saturday was merely routine and done to get an exact knowledge of his area of responsibility.

This was stressed by newly-appointed AFP chief-of-staff Lt. Gen. Hernando DCA Iriberri Wednesday.

"We find nothing wrong with Admiral Swift's flight over WPS as they were flying over international waters," he added.

"It is customary for new military commanders to go around and see first hand his area of responsibility and check the capabilities of his force," Iriberri further stressed.

Swift, who arrived in the Philippines last July 16 and left on the 19th for a four-day visit, participated in a P-8A "Poseidon" aircraft surveillance mission over the WPS last July 18.

The flight was hosted by the VP-45 "Pelicans" of the US Navy.

He was in the Philippines to meet with the country's senior military leaders.

"As part of his visit to the Philippines this week, Adm. Scott Swift, commander of the US Pacific Fleet . . . took part in a seven-hour maritime surveillance mission to witness firsthand the full range of the Poseidon's capabilities," the US Navy earlier said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=785201