Against all odds

DESPITE receiving a barrage of censure over his aggressive campaign against drugs and human rights violations under his reign, Pres. Rodrigo Duterte remains unfazed.
The president has brewing friendships with China and Russia, and is bent on alienating the country’s long-standing alliance with the United States.
Over the weekend, Duterte threatened to end the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), an agreement signed by the Philippines and the U.S. in 2014. EDCA grants the U.S. to increase its military presence in the Philippines through the rotation of ships and planes for humanitarian and maritime security operations. It allows American soldiers, warships and planes to temporarily hold bases at Filipino military locations.
While the president continued his tirade against the U.S/, American troops joined Filipino forces on Tuesday, Oct. 4 for the opening of the Philippine Amphibious Landing Exercise (Phiblex 33). 1,400 American and 500 Filipino military personnel will participate in the joint military exercise, aimed at improving readiness by the two countries to respond to a range of crises while deepening their historic ties.
“The opportunity to train and build mutually beneficial capabilities with our Armed Forces of the Philippines partners is essential for sharpening our bilateral amphibious and humanitarian assistance capabilities, both hallmarks of the U.S. Marine Corps” said Brig. Gen. John M. Jansen, Commanding General, 3d Marine Expeditionary Brigade. “Exchanging expertise and cultivating our longstanding security alliance provides a cornerstone for security and stability in the region, and has for decades.”
Phiblex 33 will feature an amphibious landing exercise and live-fire training featuring artillery, which are designed to advance cooperation, improve interoperability and assist in strengthening bilateral amphibious capabilities. This year’s exercise will also focus on general military skills, and enhancing professional and amicable relations, to help advance common regional security interests between U.S. servicemen and their counterparts in the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
The military exchange will also include humanitarian and civic assistance to improve local infrastructure, and health engagements to exchange medical practices and supplement the medical needs of Filipino citizens.
For decades, the United States has maintained strong bilateral relations with the Philippines, based on a number of factors including robust domestic support for international security, joint strategic goals in the Asia Pacific, a mutual commitment to democratic values, and historical ties.
Despite the president’s repugnance to the U.S., both Filipino and American troops stand to benefit in these military exercises. It is through times like these that the close partnership between the two nations proves its value. (AJPress)