Año: No plan to pull out US missiles from Philippines

MANILA, Philippines — There are no plans to pull out a US mid-range missile system in the Philippines, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año confirmed yesterday, saying China cannot dictate to Manila “what to do.”

He said the withdrawal of the Typhon mid-range missile system would be decided by the Mutual Defense Board-Security Engagement Board (MDBSEB).

“There are no plans to pull it out any time soon. It will be the decision of the MDBSEB. They are the ones who have a say and there will be a consultation,” Año said in a chance interview at Sangley Point in Cavite.

“But for now, we need what you call the Typhon missile launcher for the training and capability upgrading of our armed forces. We should also know how to operate this because, in the future, this will be the equipment we want to procure,” he added.

The top security adviser noted there is no timeline for the deployment of the missile system in the country.

China urged the US to quickly pull out the missile system, calling the deployment a move to turn back the wheel of history that gravely threatens regional countries’ security.

“We are an independent country. We have an independent foreign policy. Nobody can dictate us on what to do and at the same time it is also our duty to perform our role as a partner of the United States as far as the MDT (Mutual Defense Treaty) is concerned,” Año said.

“We know what is best for our country, so they cannot dictate anything on us, particularly on the deployment of this missile launcher,” he added.

The US military transported the Typhon mid-range missile system to the northern Philippines during combat exercises by US and Philippine forces in April that angered China.

Beijing warned that the US missile system can trigger a regional arms race, endanger regional stability and threaten mainland China.

China demanded that the missile system be pulled out of the Philippines.

In an interview on CBS News’ “60 Minutes,” Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said “it’s not their (China) business, it’s for Philippine defense.”

“It happens within our territory. It’s for our defense, we follow international law, what’s the fuss? I can neither confirm nor deny if there’s such a plan,” Teodoro said when asked about plans to keep mid-range missiles.

Meanwhile, the deployment of the replacement vessel for BRP Teresa Magbanua has been hampered by bad weather, Año said yesterday.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), he said, has deployed a ship as a replacement for Teresa Magbanua after it pulled out of the area last Sept. 15.

“The coast guard has already sent a replacement but because of the (bad) weather, the ship needs to shelter first,” Año said.

He emphasized that the Philippines would maintain its continuous presence in Escoda Shoal.

“We will always make sure that we have our continuous presence and access at Sabina Shoal as soon as the weather improves. Our PCG has plans for how to protect the West Philippine Sea,” he stressed, referring to the shoal by its international name.

National Maritime Council chairman Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said that Teresa Magbanua’s repositioning after completing its mission is necessary to address the medical needs of some crew members, undergo essential repairs and allow the crew to enjoy a well-deserved furlough and reunion with their loved ones.

The Philippines stands firm that Escoda Shoal is within the country’s exclusive economic zone.