Duterte asks US to stop storing weapons in Philippine encampments

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Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has asked the US not to store live ammunition in local camps, warning he would scrap the agreement granting the US military temporary stationing if Washington were found building depots on Philippine soil.

“I am serving notice to the Armed Forces of the US. Do not do it, I will not allow it,” said Duterte in a press conference in the presidential palace after midnight Sunday. He noted the depots, dubbed as "a magnet for attack," are dangerous to the Philippines.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte gestures while speaking during a late night news conference at the presidential palace in Manila, Philippines January 29, 2017. /CFP Photo

The president accused the US of risking regional stability. He cited the danger of entanglement if fighting erupts between China and the US.

According to Duterte, the US military are constructing depots in three areas of his country, including Palawan, Cagayan de Oro and Pampanga.

Duterte stated that “a depot by any other name is a depot…It is prohibited under the law. It is not allowed by the treaty.”

The Philippine constitution bars the presence of foreign military bases, troops or facilitates on Philippine soil.

Duterte also mentioned a provision in the Visiting Forces Agreement signed by both countries in 1998 that no permanent facilities should be built in the Philippine territory.

To rebuild relations with China, Duterte has threatened to scale back military exercises with the US and cancel agreements for troop visits.

(Source: Xinhua and Reuters)