FILIPINO activists are in the state of shock, political high alert and outrage with the presence of nearly 4,000 US troops supported by 30 military aircraft.
“Are we in a state of war with a nation, which is not our enemy, but critical of Washington D.C. and the US military game plan of aggression in Asia and the Pacific?
If not, how come the Philippine government has allowed more than 4,000 US military forces to come to the country on rapid deployment mode and rotation basis?,” asked Salvador France, vice chairperson of the progressive fisherfolk alliance Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya).
In a statement, the leader slammed the staging of this year’s joint military exercises between the US and the Philippine forces, saying something sinister is going on the frequent docking of US warships in many ports of the country and the rapid deployment of thousands of American military forces on frequent basis under the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA).
“Imagine an average of 3,000 to 4,000 US troops come here almost every quarter or semi-annually just for VFA. Just read between the lines the joint and separate statements issued by the US Embassy in Manila and the Office of the President and you will find out that the American mercenaries and invading forces of Washington D.C are preparing for a major attack comparable to US war of aggression in Afghanistan. Iraq and Libya,” noted France.
The AFP said over 8,000 Philippine and American troops will participate in this year’s Balikatan military exercises, which will be held from April 5 to 17. The local military said of the 30 aircraft, 20 will come from the US military.
Pamalakaya learned that 14 of which have already arrived in Clark Air Base, Pampanga last Monday while the rest will start to arrive this week and early next week.
The AFP said US air assets will be utilized for joint humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HA/DR)-focused military training in Central Luzon and will also provide air logistics support and services to the participating troops of both countries.
The AFP also said the USS Tortuga, the only US Navy ship taking part in the annual military exercise docked in Manila Bay on Tuesday to offload military personnel and equipment for the exercises.
It said the local military will use 9 aircraft from the Philippine Air Force , while the Philippine Navy will deploy one of its Highlanders and two vessels.
The AFP said aside from US miltiary officials, foreign military officials from Australia, Brunei, Japan, South Korea and Thailand will be invited to witness the staging of this year’s Balikatan exercises.