(Eagle News)– Chief of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Public Affairs Office Col. Edgard Arevalo announced on Friday (September 16) that joint military exercises with the United States (US) are still possible and unaffected by President Rodrigo Duterte’s comments.
“Yung joint exercises ‘di yan maapektuhan dahil naka-schedule na yan, wala naman sinabing i-scrap ang schedule ng exercises. Talks about the next leg of the exercises are still ongoing,” Arevalo said.
This clarification was released amid Duterte’s remarks against US troops stay in Mindanao. He also wished to end joint patrols with the US in the West Philippine Sea.
As for Balikatan exercises, Arevalo said that it involves other allies other than US.
“Yung iba kasi diyan regular exercises na eh, year in, year out, ginagawa natin, like Balikatan, at hindi lang naman ito with the Americans, marami pa din tayong bansang kasama sa exercises,” Arevalo clarified.
Dates for the next Balikatan exercises are still unannounced.