(Eagle News)– United States (US) Department Spokesman John Kirby on Tuesday (September 13) reiterated that US will continue its commitments to the Philippines, and has yet to make any formal announcement regarding the removal of US troops in Mindanao.
“I’ve seen the comments. I’ve seen them in press reporting, and what I can tell you is that we’re not aware of any official communication by the Philippine Government to that effect and to seek that result. So we’re going to stay in touch with our counterparts in the Philippine Government. More critically, we’re going to remain committed to our alliance commitments in the Philippines and to that country ,” Kirby said in a press briefing.
An agreement was reached in 2014 by the two countries giving increased presence of US troops in the Philippines.
It also allowed US forces to use military facilities of the Philippines.
The Philippines and the US are long time treaty allies, having signed a mutual defense treaty in 1951 and a visiting forces agreement in 1998.
