President Rodrigo Duterte ratcheted up his feud with the United States yesterday, ordering all American special forces out of the southern Philippines where they have been advising local troops battling Muslim extremists.
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“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. If they see an American, they will really be killed. “They’ll get ransom and then kill you, even if you are a black or a white, as long as you’re an American”, he continued.
He argued that the President only wanted “to save the lives” of the Americans who might expose themselves to the risk of being kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf terror group.
“If they see an American, they would kill him”.
He added, “I do not want a rift with America, but they have to go”.
In 2002, the USA military deployed troops to train, advise and provide intelligence and weapons to Filipino troops battling al-Qaida-linked Abu Sayyaf militants in the southern Philippines.
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“The recent pronouncement will affect only a token number of American servicemen who are confined mainly in Zamboanga City”, the AFP said.
Both countries have since been on a diplomatic push to ease tensions, with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang telling Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte he hoped the two countries could bring bilateral ties back to a normal track.
Obama responded by cancelling a meeting with Duterte. According to the Philippine National Police, more than 2,800 Filipinos allegedly associated with drug dealing or drug use have been killed by police or vigilantes.
Duterte made the comment during an oath-taking ceremony for new appointees in Manila’s Malacañang Palace.
The United States also joined other countries and the United Nations in criticizing Duterte’s war on drugs policy that has left hundreds dead in extrajudicial killing.
On Monday, Duterte said in a speech that the American military presence on Mindanao was more of a negative than a positive.
Kirby said if and when an official communication from the Philippines on U.S. forces in Mindanao is communicated, it would be up to the Pentagon to look into the matter.
At its height, the mission numbered as many as 600 troops, but was formally ended in February 2015.
The tough-talking Duterte has had a bumpy relationship with the USA since taking office in June. He said the USA remained committed to its long-standing alliance with the Philippines.
Duterte’s remarks signal a noticeable decline in the U.S.
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“Duterte seems to be putting into action his latest remarks about trying to implement an independent foreign policy”, said Eduardo Tadem, a lecturer of Asian Studies at the University of the Philippines. “It’s not a history without its past troubles, but we’re committed to our alliance with the Philippines and we look forward to working our way through that”, he told a news conference.
