The Philippines will prohibit the deployment of foreign troops on Pag-asa Island as well as oppose the entry of nuclear-powered missile systems in any part of the country, President Duterte declared Thursday.
The President said his government would only allow the deployment of Filipino troops to the Philippine-controlled island in the West Philippine Sea, insisting the country’s ownership of the territory.
“Even before, we were claiming it. Pag-asa has been there for 74 years? Ah that’s – 1974 rather. We already claimed Pag-asa, occupied, that’s why there’s a base there,” Duterte said. “But I’d like to assure also. I would not allow any foreign troops. I do not want trouble. Not the Chinese, not the Koreans, not the Americans, not anybody else except Filipino troops,” he added.
The President is also opposed to any installation of missile systems, including nuclear weapons, by foreign allies in the country. “It is not allowed under our Constitution to be placing nuclear weapons here,” he insisted.
He made clear that his opposition to the installation of missile systems was not only directed to the United States but also to Russia and China. “I’m responding to all, not only the Americans. Russians, China. I will not allow the deployment of nuclear warheads because it is not allowed by our Constitution and we – I do not want it,” he said.
The President asserted early this week that he would never allow the United States to install missile systems in the country.
The President said while he recognizes the Philippines’ Mutual Defense Treaty with the United States, he would reject the entry of nuclear arsenal in the country since this is considered a violation of the Constitution.
US Defense Secretary Mark Esper earlier announced he was amenable to deploying ground-based missiles in Asia “sooner rather than later” apparently to counter the rise of China. Esper did not say where the weapons will be based although some suspect that Asian allies like Japan and Australia could be among the deployment sites.
Esper’s announcement came after the Trump administration pulled out of Cold War-era arms control treaty with Russia. (Genalyn Kabiling)