US ups military presence in Philippines, Asia-Pacific

THE military and defense leadership have confirmed that there are moves to increase US military presence in the Philippines and in other parts of the Asia-Pacific to ensure peace and stability in the region in view of China’s stepped-up military build-up, particularly in the West Philippine Sea or South China Sea.

“Well, unang-una, totoo gusto ng kwan [United States] magkaroon ng presence dito sa region, kaya nga naglagay sila ng base sa Australia. Maglalagay din [sila] ng magdadaong ng barko sa Singapore [Well, it is true that the United States wants its presence felt in the region, that’s why they put up a base in Australia. They will also put ships that would dock in Singapore]” Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said on Thursday.

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