U.S. Redefining Military Relationship With Philippines
Summary
U.S. military leaders are thinking of expanding training
operations in the Philippines due to restrictions elsewhere in
Asia. The Philippine military appears amenable to such a plan,
since it would result in increased supplies, assistance and
training for its troops. Having recently signed a logistics
agreement with Manila, Washington appears to have found a way
around political opposition in the Philippines to a more
permanent military presence there.
Analysis
The United States is considering using the Philippines as a key
military training area for its forces in Asia, the deputy chief
of staff of the Philippine armed forces said Jan. 21. Maj. Gen.
Emmanuel Teodosio said restrictions on U.S. military training at
facilities in Japan, Hawaii and Thailand had caused Washington to
look elsewhere, and that the Philippines provided an ideal place
for U.S. troops to train for Asian or jungle contingencies. He
added that Philippine soldiers also benefit from joint training
exercises.
A decade after leaving the Philippines, the United States is
gearing up for a more permanent military presence there. The
Philippines was one of the first fronts in the war against
terrorism, and U.S. troops have yet to leave the country since
deploying in January 2002. Despite political concerns in Manila,
it appears Washington is ready to redefine its military
relationship with its former colony.