Attack on PCG ship may trigger MDT - US

Meanwhile, U.S. Defense chief Lloyd Austin III discussed with Galvez also on Wednesday several proposals to deepen cooperation and enhance shared by RALPH EDWIN VILLANUEVA Philstar.com

MANILA — The United States, through a telephone call of its defense chief to his Filipino counterpart, has reaffirmed its commitment to come to the defense of the Philippines under the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) in the event of a foreign attack.

The call from U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III to Department of Defense (DND) officer-in-charge Carlito Galvez Jr. took place on Wednesday, February 22, or a day after the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) confirmed the presence of at least 30 Chinese vessels around Ayungin and Sabina shoals in the West Philippine Sea.

“Secretary Austin reiterated that the U.S.’ commitment to the alliance remains ironclad, and that an armed attack on Philippine armed forces, aircraft, and public vessels, including the Coast Guard, anywhere in the South China Sea would invoke US mutual defense commitments under Article IV of the Mutual Defense Treaty,” Galvez said.

He added that the country’s military will “steadfastly uphold its mandate of protecting the country’s territorial integrity, sovereignty, and sovereign rights.”