US Typhon missile system still in PH after joint military drills — Army

The Philippine Army on Tuesday said the United States' Typhon mid-range missile system is still in the country after the joint military exercise Salaknib.

“Yes, I believe so,” Philippine Army spokesperson Colonel Louie Dema-ala said when asked if the US missile system is still in the country.

“Concluded na yung Salaknib and the Philippine Army is currently evaluating yung the whole training. As to the [Mid-Range Capability] I’ll defer to higher headquarters on the future disposition because it is a joint decision pa rin ng Philippines and the US on the future disposition ng MRC,” he added.

(The Salaknib has been concluded and the Philippine Army is currently evaluating the whole training. As to the Mid-Range Capability, I'll defer to higher headquarters on the future disposition because it is still a joint decision by the Philippines and the US.)

Salaknib was completed in the last week of September, according to Dema-ala.

The US mid-range missile system was initially deployed in the Philippines in April for the first phase of the joint exercise Salaknib between the US and Philippine armies. 

It was also used in the Balikatan joint exercise of the US and Philippine armed forces in April and May.

The US missile system can launch missiles including SM-6 missiles and Tomahawks with a range exceeding 1,600 km (994 miles).

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in July issued a statement expressing concern over the presence of the US intermediate-range missile system. China also accused the US of provoking an arms race in the South China Sea (SCS).

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. denied China's allegation, adding that the presence of the US missile system aims to boost the Philippines' defense capability.

Brawner said in September that he wants the US’ Typhon to stay in the Philippines  "forever."

—VAL, GMA Integrated News