Saturday, June 28, 2008 US plane carrying nuke weapons barred from RP
PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said the US aircraft believed to be carrying nuclear weapons on board will stay out of the Philippine territory even as it would still help in the search and rescue operations in Romblon Province and other parts of the country affected by Typhoon Frank (Fengshen).
Arroyo made the announcement in New York as she asked the opposition to refrain from sowing intrigues and criticizing the assistance being extended by foreign countries like the US.
President George W. Bush has committed to send the USS Ronald Reagan, believed to be carrying nuclear weapons on board, in addition to the USS Stockton that is already helping in the search and rescue operation of the victims of the sunken MV Princess of the Stars.
The USS Ronald Reagan was supposed to help in the damage assessments, search and rescue operations, and the delivery of medical assistance, potable water and machinery to affected areas.
"To avoid any intrigues, the US aircraft will stay out of the Philippines' territorial waters," Arroyo said.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo said Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro is already coordinating with the US government to ensure that none of the provisions of the country's Constitution would be violated during the stay of the US vessels and aircraft in the Philippines.
Senator Rodolfo Biazon questioned the presence of the nuclear-powered USS Ronald Reagan saying it is not suited for search and rescue operations, apart from possibilities that it might violate the country's constitutional ban on the presence of nuclear weapons. (JMR/Sunnex)
