Immense U.S. response to Yolanda bolsters need for increased rotational presence pact: DFA chief

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 25): Immense U.S. response to Yolanda bolsters need for increased rotational presence pact: DFA chief

The immense United States (U.S.) military aid to typhoon-ravaged eastern Visayas region has reinforced the need for the two countries to conclude a framework agreement that would pave the way for an expanded presence of American troops in the country, Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario said.

"I think what has been demonstrated in central Philippines as a result of this typhoon and the assistance provided in terms of relief, rescue operation demonstrates the need for this framework agreement that we are working out with the United States," Del Rosario told a press briefing Monday following a meeting with U.S. lawmakers, who visited Tacloban, one of the hardest hit areas of super typhoon "Yolanda", over the weekend.

The U.S. government, a long-time military ally of the Philippines, was among the first countries to bring in troops, aircraft, navy ships and financial assistance after the country was overwhelmed by the magnitude of the death and destruction wrought by the record-breaking storm, also known internationally as Haiyan on November 8.

Both allies are negotiating for an accord that will allow an increased rotational presence of American troops in the country amid a backdrop of mounting territorial rift between the Philippines and China over the South China Sea, of which a part being claimed by Manila is called the West Philippine Sea.

The U.S., under President Barack Obama, has announced an "Asian pivot" after its heavy military engagement in Afghanistan and Iraq.

According to Del Rosario, the pact, currently being negotiated by Philippine and US panels, “accentuates one of the main purposes of the framework, which is to make humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and response a very major aspect of the agreement.”

The U.S. lawmakers, in the same briefing, welcomed an expanded presence of American military in the Philippines.

“Those of us in here are very much in favor of the strongest possible bond between the U.S. military and the PHL military in every aspect,” said New Jersey Congressman Chris Smith, the head of the US congressional delegation.

Arizona Congressman Trent Franks said the US government is “deeply committed” to solidify the historic alliance with the Philippines.

“I think it’s vitally important for us to stick closely together and to take every opportunity we have to try to bring our military efforts close together because we certainly not only have great common potential opponents to deal with but we have a great commitment to being in common in going forward in peace efforts,” he said.

The lawmakers, who met Del Rosario on Monday morning, expressed their strong support for Philippine humanitarian relief operations as well as upcoming reconstruction and rehabilitation plans of the government in the aftermath of the typhoon, which has killed at least 5,200 and affected close to 10 million.

Smith, together with Franks and Texas Congressman Al Greene, went to Tacloban on Saturday to look at humanitarian assistance coordination and health situation there.

The delegation said housing is urgently needed for the survivors and called on the government to ensure the protection of affected women and children against trafficking.

The lawmakers discussed with Del Rosario the way forward in reconstruction and rehabilitation of affected areas and how the U.S. can further help.

“What our delegation is seeking to do is to get as best we can as much information then to bring that information back to the United States and work with our colleagues both in the House and the Senate and with the executive branch to be as supportive and generous as we possibly can,” Smith said.

Del Rosario conveyed to the US lawmakers his appreciation for the immediate and overwhelming humanitarian assistance from the U.S.

“We thank the United States for sharing their unique airlift capabilities in order to get to hard to reach areas immediately after typhoon hit the Philippines. Now, access to affected areas has tremendously improved and Philippine forces and humanitarian assistance are reaching more people,” Del Rosario said.

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