MANILA, Philippines — A U.S. Navy hospital ship has not interrupted its humanitarian mission in the southern Philippines even though one of its helicopters was hit by gunfire, the American Embassy said Wednesday.
The USNS Mercy is still conducting the medical mission it began at Shariff Kabunsuan province’s Parang Pier on May 28, with only one activity canceled as a result of Monday’s shooting, an embassy statement said.
One of four MH-60 Knighthawk support helicopters operating from the ship sustained damage from what appeared to be gunfire while on a routine flight, resulting in the grounding of the aircraft and cancellation of one medical aid activity, the statement said.
Navy spokesman Cmdr. Jeff Davis said Monday the helicopter had gone to pick up 11 passengers about 50 miles inland, and two bullet holes were found when it returned.
There were no injuries, and the aircraft’s commander was unaware the chopper had been hit, Davis said.
Nobody has claimed responsibility for the attack, but several armed groups operate in the area, including Muslim and communist rebels, private armies and criminal gangs.
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