REFUELING STOPS OF US HELICOPTERS AND C-130 IN BASCO AIRPORT
by Mrs. Necitas G. Alconis - Philippine Information Agency - Batanes

Refueling US Helicopters at Basco airport, taken May 2003.

Governor Gato requested that landing of US aircrafts for the purpose of refuelling stops by American helicopters and C-130 at Basco airport, be officially included as part of the exercises to ensure that any landing conducted in accordance with the terms and conditions under a given treaty or agreement can be made readily evident to the general public.

The governor also requested the possibility of using Itbayat airport as preferred refuelling site being a better one than Basco airport. Itbayat airport allows landing from north of south of the airstrip, for big planes; and from all directions for light planes. Unlike Basco which can only be approached from one end. Itbayat airport is situated far from town proper whereas Basco airport is at the end of the community.

C130 and 4 US Helicopters at Basco Airport, taken May 2003.

DFA Secretary Blas Ople responded Gov. Gato's request that his proposals are now in the process of coordinating the government agencies concerned for consideration of implementation. And that Gov. Gato's request for the possibility of using Itbayat airport as alternative landings site is certainly a valid one. Sec. Ople asked VFACOM with the USAF, PAF, ATO and DND to look into this possibility.

The governor further advocated that the province be a beneficiary of any assistance whether humanitarian, civic action, technical that would help in the maintenance of the Basco airport and the improvement of the Itbayat airport.