US to keep counterterrorism outpost in Philippines, despite peace deal

From The Hill (Oct 8): US to keep counterterrorism outpost in Philippines, despite peace deal

The long-standing U.S. counterterrorism outpost in the Philippines will remain in place, in case a landmark peace deal between Manila and Muslim extremists in the southern part of the country falls apart.... The details in that plan, which are still being negotiated with MILF leaders, will provide the backdrop for a long-term peace deal expected by 2016. But until then, American special operations forces will remain in the country, providing training and logistical support to Philippine military units continuing to hunt down Abu Sayyaf leaders and cells in the area. American intelligence and special operations forces have been conducting counterterrorism support operations from their base in Mindanao since 2001. Those U.S. forces attached to the Joint Special Operations Task Force—Philippines were initially sent to the country after the 9/11 attacks....

.... But public opinion in the Philippines has begun to turn against the American military presence there, which could make expansion of those forces difficult. Filipino citizens demanded Manila conduct an overarching review of the U.S. task force after a fatal accident in April involving American special forces and civilians in the area. A U.S. patrol boat piloted by members of special operations forces collided with a small fishing vessel in the waters around Mindanao after returning from a humanitarian mission in the town of Hadji Mutamad near Basilan. A Philippine fisherman was killed and his son injured as a result of the crash, and spawned regional protests against the U.S. presence in the south.

http://thehill.com/blogs/defcon-hill/operations/260837-us-to-keep-counterterrorism-outpost-in-philippines-despite-peace-deal-