That would include humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, counter-terrorism and maritime security, he said. But one Philippine general involved in the talks said the two sides also agreed to reduce the size and frequency of joint exercises and the number of U.S. troops taking part. The Philippine general who spoke anonymously said the defence ministry had instructed the military to scale back joint exercises, which should be “refocused on disaster” relief, and end naval and amphibious landing drills. Ross said the two sides had agreed “to continue implementing” EDCA, which he called a mutually beneficial agreement that would help speed humanitarian assistance and modernise the Philippine military. Speaking to business leaders in Beijing last month, Duterte spoke of his “separation” from the United States.

Source: Sunday Times November 23, 2016 13:05 UTC