The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Monday confirmed the presence of a US aircraft that landed in Manila supposedly without a handler or an advisory.
However, Ma. Teresita Daza, DFA spokesperson, said a "diplomatic clearance was issued to an aircraft of this type in relation to a bilateral defense cooperation activity."
"It is not related to the request for temporary housing of Afghan SIV applicants, which is still under discussion," she added.
DFA's remark came after a photo of a U.S. Air Force aircraft supposedly taken by a Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) personnel circulated on social media.
Political blogger Sass Sasot bared her conversation with the supposed MIAA personnel who shared about the presence of the aircraft, adding that the latter was already subject for "manhunt" by concerned officials.