Duterte's drug war challenged Philippines-US ties, says US admiral

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte's approach in addressing the drug problem in the Philippines has created relationship challenges with the United States and other countries, the commander of the US Pacific Command said.

 

In his testimony before the US House Committee on Armed Services, Admiral Harry Harris Jr. noted that some countries in the Indo-Pacific are facing growing internal drug consumption challenges.

 

"In the Philippines, the scourge of drug use has had multiple destabilizing effects, at the family-level, community-level, and the national level, as President Duterte’s efforts to address the problems have created relationship challenges with the US and others," Harris said.

 

 

Last year, Washington had shifted its assistance to the Philippines from law enforcement to maritime security efforts amid reports of state-sanctioned killings in the country.

 

The US, however, maintained that it would support the Philippines' campaign against the illegal drug trade as long as it is carried under the rule of law.

 

"I would describe the United States being cautiously optimistic when it comes to the appropriate way for a drug campaign," James Walsh, deputy assistant director of the US Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, said.

 

 

Despite Duterte's pursuit of an independent foreign policy, the alliance between the Philippines and the US remains resilient, Harris said.

 

"The tenor of our bilateral relationship has improved over the past year, due in part to the relationship-reset in President Duterte’s personal interactions with President (Donald) Trump," Harris said.

 

The US admiral described the defense relationship between the two countries as "robust" given the 261 activities scheduled for 2018.

 

The response of American troops when ISIS-inspired local terror groups attacked Marawi City shows that the US is committed to its alliance with the Philippines, he said.

 

"Our quick response to addressing AFP needs helped to bolster the bilateral relationship. Our military cooperation supports a broader whole-of-government approach to countering terrorism and building resiliency and capacity in Mindanao, as well as continuing to work together to modernize the AFP," the admiral said.

 

 

While the Philippines is focused on rebuilding wartorn Marawi, Harris said that Washington should remain committed to the objectives of building a territorial defense capability and modernizing the AFP.

 

"Strategic patience has helped recalibrate the alliance relationship. I am convinced that the relationship pendulum will continue to swing in a positive direction and will continue to stabilize the region as it has for over 60 years," Harris said.