DND yet to receive formal notice on scrapping of preparations for 2017 exercises with US forces

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 13): DND yet to receive formal notice on scrapping of preparations for 2017 exercises with US forces

The Department of National Defense (DND) on Thursday said that it is still to receive a formal notice from Malacanang regarding the cancellation of preparations for next year's military exercises with US forces.

"From what I believe, the US has not also receive any notice, and the DND has not (also) received instructions from the President although he said it in public," DND public affairs service chief Arsenio Andolong said.

During the 115th anniversary of the Philippine Coast Guard on Wednesday, President Rodrigo Duterte said he has instructed Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana not to make arrangements regarding military exercises with American forces for next year.

"”There will be no more exercises next year. I told Defense Secretary (Delfin) Lorenzana, do not make preparations for next year. I do not want it anymore. I will chart an independent foreign policy,” the Chief Executive stressed.

"We operate always on the basis of written instructions to make sure that it is formal," Andolong said.

He added that cancellation of military maneuvers with the US will severely affect the Philippines especially in the field of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) missions as American units are exposing Filipino forces in new HADR technologies and doctrines.

Andolong said these things are very helpful as Filipino military personnel are able to conduct exercises and simulations using American equipment.

"Our personnel are able to conduct the exercises and simulations using these equipment, so in the future in the event that we have another event, heavens forbid, like 'Yolanda' and they come over we will be able these equipment if the need arises," the DND public affairs office chief stressed.

Should these joint military maneuvers with the US be halted, Andolong said the Philippines will have to find other ways to determine whether the Filipino military is up to par with other countries.

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