No need for US troops in Zambo

From the Manila Times (Sep 15): No need for US troops in Zambo

MALACAÑANG on Sunday dismissed the possibility of tapping foreign troops to address the current situation in Zamboanga City, where authorities and Muslim rebels have been locked in a weeklong standoff.

”Wala ho. Malayo ho ‘yan [There’s none. It’s farfetched],” Palace deputy spokesman Abigail Valte said when asked about the prospects of elite US troops joining the fray in the besieged city through the agreement on the increased rotational presence of American troops in the country.

President Benigno Aquino 3rd earlier said that the government has “overwhelming” number of forces to deal with the ongoing standoff in Zamboanga City.

Valte said that there is nothing unusual with the Philippines seeking assistance of other countries. However, she noted that the ongoing siege is a different matter.

She stressed that peace talks is an entirely different issue from discussions about the continued presence of US servicemen in the country.

“Huwag ho nating ipilit ang pagdidikit doon sa dalawang magkahiwalay na usapin pong ‘yan [Let us not relate these issues that are separate]” Valte added.

The Philippine-US agreement aims to upgrade the Armed Forces of the Philippines so that it can be more capable of protecting the country’s territories and in responding to natural disasters.

Both Philippine and US negotiators have earlier agreed that American troops and equipment in Philippine military facilities will be temporary and the visitors must comply with the country’s laws.

Asked if US President Barack Obama’s visit will seal the said deal, Valte said, it will be discussed by both leaders.

The Palace official, meanwhile, said that US government through the US Agency for International Development has provided P26.4 million ($600,000) worth of assistance to thousands of refugees affected by the ongoing conflict.

http://www.manilatimes.net/no-need-for-us-troops-in-zambo/40216/