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Philippines to end assault drills with US forces

  (Associated Press)
Manila
Wed, November 9, 2016

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Philippines to end assault drills with US forces Some 50 US soldiers on formation witness the ceremonial folding of the flag of the Joint Special Operations Task Force Philippines at the Western Mindanao Command grandstand in Zamboanga City in this photo taken in February 2015. (Inquirer Mindanao/Julie Alipala )

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hilippine defense officials say President Rodrigo Duterte has approved the continuation of joint military exercises with US forces, but the number of drills will be reduced and will exclude mock assaults.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Wednesday that Duterte also allowed the government to proceed with a 2014 defense agreement with Washington permitting US forces to be stationed temporarily at five designated Philippine military camps, along with their warships and planes.

Duterte had previously threatened to end military exercises with the United States.

Lorenzana said he and other security officials explained to the president at a Cabinet meeting on Monday how the Philippines benefits from the annual maneuvers.

Defense Department public affairs chief Arsenio Andolong said the changes will be discussed with US military officials at a Nov. 22 meeting.

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