Philippines-US war games kick off with future in doubt

By Hader Glang

ZAMBOANGA CITY, the Philippines (AA) - Thousands of Philippines and U.S. troops began joint military exercises on Tuesday, just one week after President Rodrigo Duterte said he wants to end the war games.

Duterte has declared his intention to end the exercises with the country's former colonizer during his term off office, noting that regional powerhouse China is not in favor and saying he wants to establish new alliances with Beijing for trade and commerce.

In a press conference in Metro Manila on Monday, Philippine Marine Corps Commandant Maj. Gen. Andre Costales Jr. told reporters that this year's amphibious landing exercise would focus on integration and inter-operability.

"For 2016, our mission is to integrate the use of strategic sea vessels and other non-traditional platforms," the Philippine Star quoted Costales as saying.

He underlined that the Philippines and U.S. Marines have been strong allies in the Asia Pacific region for more than three decades.

"With commitment from our marine forces, we have continuously kept our goal to sustain good relationships and cooperation thereby upgrading each other's capabilities and competencies," Costales said in his keynote speech.

"Beyond all these visions and aspirations, what must prevail is brotherhood of marines regardless of color of our uniform and our skin."

Duterte, who describes himself as a leftist leader, has had an uneasy relationship with the U.S.

He has said he is charting a foreign policy not dependent on the U.S., and has taken steps to revive ties with China strained under his predecessor over long-standing territorial conflicts.

Duterte has announced publicly that he will not allow the Philippine navy to conduct joint patrols with the U.S. military in the disputed South China Sea because it could spark an armed conflict in Philippine territory.

He has also said he wants U.S. forces out of the southern Philippines, where he said minority Muslims resent the presence of American troops.

On Tuesday, a Philippine military spokesman for the ongoing exercises, Capt. Ryan Lacuesta, sidestepped the question of whether Duterte’s remarks had affected the troops and the atmosphere of the drills, partly staged to improve camaraderie between the two combat forces.

“As much as I would like to answer that question, I would leave that to higher authorities,” Lacuesta said.