PAF deploys intel agents in Clark, adjoining towns

CLARK FIELD, Pampanga – Air Force officials here have deployed intelligence operatives within and outside the Clark special economic zone as they expressed readiness to accommodate the US military here in the global war against terrorists.

Lt. Col. Charles Hotchkiss, deputy commander of the 600th Air Base Wing, however, said the red alert they have imposed here following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in the US has been lifted.

"The red alert was imposed not only because of what happened in the US but also because President Arroyo was in Japan at that time. But we lifted the alert a week later since we do not see any immediate threat here," Hotchkiss said in an interview.

He said military officials here have not received any formal communication from higher headquarters on the Arroyo administration’s offer to open Clark and the former US naval base in Subic to US forces.

"But we are ready to accommodate the US military as we have always been ready to accommodate US forces during exercises under the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA)," he said.

He said Air Force officials here learned about the possible use of Clark and Subic by US forces only from news reports.

Hotchkiss said the use of Clark and Subic for the US military’s war against international terrorists could be considered part of the VFA despite the unilateral nature of such a move that would not involve the Philippine military.

He said the ramp, which the Air Force uses on the southern side of the Clark international airport, can accommodate US military aircraft, including the huge CH-53 Stallion helicopters and C-130 cargo aircraft.

But heavier aircraft, such as passenger planes, can land only on the northern side of the airport which is under the jurisdiction of the Clark Development Corp.

"US military aircraft can refuel and even park here anytime. But normally, our higher headquarters inform us of the arrival of any US military aircraft here," he said. So far, there has been no notification, he added.

During past VFA exercises, Hotchkiss said the US military directly coordinates with Lubwell Corp. for refueling. However, he said US military personnel are all required to subject themselves to Customs and immigration procedures here.