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April 17, 2012

U.S.-Filipino Military Exercise Draws Protests in the Philippines 
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Nearly 7,000 American and Filipino troops have begun a major joint
military exercise that will include combat drills near disputed South
China Sea waters. The exercise comes as the United States expands its
presence in the region. On Monday, dozens of Filipino student activists
protested outside the U.S. embassy and called for all U.S. troops to
leave the Philippines. U.S. and Filipino military officials claimed the
military exercises were not meant to provoke China. This is Marine
Brigadier General Frederick Padilla.

Frederick Padilla: "Well this exercise, from our standpoint, is not
linked to any particular situation. It is merely an opportunity for us
to work on our relationship and be able to be ready. And again this
year, the scenario is the humanitarian assistance and disaster relief
scenario. So that's what we're focused on. It's to build on that bond,
build on relationships where we can respond better should there be a
crisis that comes."

 

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