Philippines asks U.S. for air-intercept records

Press, 9 August 1985, Page 6

Philippines asks U.S. for air-intercept records

NZPA-Reuter Manila

The Philippines has asked the United States Embassy for Air Force records and other evidence that the Philippine Air Force had scrambled jet fighters to intercept the plane that flew the Opposition leader, Benigno Aquino, home to his death two years ago. Disclosure of an attempt

to divert Mr Aquino’s plane to an Air Force base outside Manila has brought a dramatic turn to the trial, which began in February, of 26 men accused of his death. The accused include the Armed Forces Chief of Staff, General Fabian Ver, named as an accessory in an alleged top-level coverup. Others are two more

generals, 22 other servicemen and one civilian. The official Philippine News Agency said that the Foreign Ministry had asked for information “concerning the activities at Wallace and Villamor air stations on August -21. 1983” — the day Mr Aquino was killed at Manila airport. Key information is a logbook that includes an entry,

given to reporters by the Foreign Ministry, by United States airmen at Wallace Air Base, about 325 km north of Manila.

An American spokesman said that the embassy was ready to turn over other documents, including statements by United States personnel, “but I do not know whether (a request) has been made.”