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US Ambassador Sung Kim on Monday refused to talk about the kind of support his government is providing the Philippines as troops continue to go against terrorists in Marawi City.
“I think we have stated clearly already that we continue our cooperation and support with the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” Kim told reporters after the celebration of the 119th Independence Day at Rizal Park.
“I don’t think it is appropriate (to reveal) technical details of what we are providing,” he added when asked if US troops have been deployed to Marawi.
Earlier reports said American spy planes are being used to provide surveillance in Marawi for the AFP.
AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen Restituto Padilla confirmed this, saying they asked the US military for noncombat assistance because the Philippines did not have adequate surveillance equipment.
READ: US spy planes helping Philippine troops in Marawi
US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim at a Palace briefing after his meeting with President Rodrigo Duterte in December 2016 (File photo by NESTOR CORRALES / INQUIRER.net)
“I don’t think it’s appropriate to go into details,” Kim said when pressed to reveal who requested the military support.
Asked why President Rodrigo Duterte said he did not directly know about the US military support, Kim told reporters, “All I can say is that this is a cooperation that’s continued for some time now. It’s cooperation that’s appreciated by the Philippines’ military. It is a cooperation that has continued with the knowledge of the Philippine government and the military obviously.” JPV
READ: Duterte: I did not know of US help in Marawi conflict beforehand