Duterte announces Philippines-US joint military exercises will end

The Philippine president has said the joint military exercises between Manila and Washington scheduled for early next month will not be repeated.

Philippine President Duterte speaks in Hanoi last night. Photo: Giang Huy

"I want to tell you that this will be the last joint exercise. I will maintain the military alliance with the United States because we have an agreement signed since the early 1950s. But I will establish new alliances in trade and the United States is planning exercises, which China does not want," Mr. Duterte said when meeting about 500 Filipinos in Hanoi last night.

The first joint military exercise between the US and the Philippines since Mr Duterte took office is scheduled to take place from October 4 to October 12 on the Philippine islands of Luzon and Palawan. This live-fire amphibious exercise will involve about 1,400 US troops based in Okinawa, Japan, and 500 Filipino soldiers.

The Philippine president also reiterated last night that the country will not participate in any patrols in the South China Sea involving “gray ships,” meaning warships. Mr. Duterte said that there are two options for resolving disputes in the South China Sea: either escalate tensions to the point of war or negotiate.

Referring to the anti-drug campaign in the Philippines, Mr. Duterte said this is a serious problem in the country. The drug problem will destroy the country if he does not stop it.

"I will further punish those involved in this evil because I estimate there are about 4 million drug addicts. I will not leave the presidency with shame," Mr. Duterte said.

The Philippine president once again criticized leaders such as US President Obama, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, and EU lawyers for "preaching about human rights" to him.

During the hour-long speech, Mr. Duterte was repeatedly greeted with applause. Many people expressed their support when the Philippine President pledged to continue his anti-drug campaign.

Engrid Torejano, an English teacher in Hanoi, said she was glad that the President took crime seriously, which is a big problem in the Philippines. She felt reassured that her family in the Philippines was safe. Only drug dealers and criminals were afraid of the campaign, while ordinary people were not affected.

"I hope that after Mr. Duterte's visit to Vietnam, the two sides will increase support for each other and enhance dialogue to jointly promote economic development," Engrid said.

An estimated 500 Filipinos attended the meeting with the country's president. Photo: Giang Huy

According to VNE