CHIZ ASKS PALACE TO EXPLAIN HOW US PRESENCE
BENEFITS MINDANAO

Opposition Sen. Chiz Escudero yesterday said government should explain to the people the actual benefits derived from the presence of American troops in Mindanao before it even starts renegotiating the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the US.

Reiterating his stance for the abrogation of the VFA, Escudero said humanitarian missions and training exercises are being conducted to support the over-all US objective in the southern Philippines.

"The US military presence in Mindanao is aimed at protecting America's strategic interests. Let us not fool ourselves into believing that they are there for us," the 39-year-old lawmaker stressed.

"In renegotiating the VFA, we must make sure that our own interests are upheld. To do otherwise is betrayal of the highest order, " Escudero said.

He pointed out that while the Philippines received $429.9 million annually in military assistance since the VFA was signed in 1999, the amount is much lower compared to those being received by other nations.

Escudero also said that it was disturbing to note the rising casualties among Philippine troops in recent clashes with the Abu Sayyaf despite the training and technical assistance being given by US troops.

"The unfortunate deaths of 32 Marines in recent clashes with the terrorist group Abu Sayyaf indicates there is a weakness in our capability that needs to addressed, with or without US military assistance," he said.