Some U.S. special forces have been killed in the southern Philippines since 2002, when Washington deployed soldiers to train and advise local units fighting Abu Sayyaf in Operation Enduring Freedom, part of its global anti-terror strategy.
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White House spokesman Josh Earnest emphasised shared concerns and interests with the Philippines, before taking a thinly veiled swipe at Duterte, appearing to compare him to Donald Trump, the outspoken Republican candidate in the November 8 us presidential election.
The military said only a “token” number of American troops would be impacted by the withdrawal and broader military programmes were intact.
In an apparent aim to prevent potential damage in relations, Philippine officials said Duterte wanted the Americans out of the south for fear of their safety. But Gazmin said he expected that US forces, “with their presence here, will deter uncalled-for actions by the Chinese”.
“We do not go into a patrol or join any other army from now because I do not want trouble”, Duterte said.
“I do not want to ride gungho-style there with China or with America”.
Arevalo said pursuant to the same statement by President Duterte, he only desires that American troops should be removed from harm’s way in Western Mindanao, particularly Zamboanga, Basilan and Sulu where intense focused military operations combating terrorism are ongoing. “Consultative planning activities for 2017 and beyond likewise remain on track”, he added.
Duterte said during an oath-taking ceremony for state officials on Monday that US special forces in Zamboanga “must go”, because they could become high-value targets for the Islamist Abu Sayyaf rebels, who are notorious for kidnapping and beheading foreigners.
“For as long as we stay with America, we will never have peace in that land”, Duterte said in a speech to newly appointed government officials. The Philippines has traditionally leaned on the US, its longtime treaty ally, and other Western allies for its security needs.
“We assure our people and allies that Philippine-U.S. defense relations remains rock solid”, the military said in a statement. He said that elections say a lot about what kind of person is “going to represent your country on the global stage”. The two, however, later met informally during the summit.
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Last week, Duterte made worldwide headlines when a scheduled meeting with President Barack Obama in China was canceled after he used the term “son of a b–” when he said he would not accept criticism from Obama of human rights violations associated with the crackdown on drugs. His spokesman said at the time that Duterte did not attend the meeting because of a migraine.
