MANILA – The Embassy of the United States of America Tuesday, September 13, said it will continue to work in maintaining its broad relationship with the Philippine government amid President Rodrigo Duterte’s strong statements against its troops.
On Monday, Duterte said the US Special Forces must leave Mindanao, noting that their presence would only worsen the situation in the conflict-torn region.
The situation in Mindanao will be more volatile, Duterte said, adding that “if US troops are seen there, they will really be killed.”
Molly Koscina, press attaché of the US Embassy in the Philippines, said they have not been contacted yet by Philippine government authorities regarding the matter.
Koscina said the US government will continue to work with the Philippines in many areas of mutual interest like the disaster preparedness and emergency management seminar for regional media.
The two-day seminar, which ended Tuesday, September 13, was held at the US Embassy.
“Our areas of interest include counter terrorism and for improvement of lives of the Filipino people and to uphold democratic values,” Koscina told media-participants.
The press attaché further said the US-Philippines relationship is really broad.
“Our lines are one of the most enduring and important relationships in Asia-Pacific. It’s been in the cornerstone of stability for 70 years," Koscina said.
It is built on shared sacrifices for the democracy, human rights, and building strong people and people ties, she added.