Duterte, however, reiterated he would not abrogate a 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty with the U.S. that provides a security umbrella for the Philippines. The defense chief said he expected a final decision on the Philippines's participation before the two sides started planning the drills. Ambassador to Manila Philip Goldberg said Washington wants to continue its robust alliance with the Philippines, saying both countries benefit mutually from the partnership. He also wants U.S. counterterrorism troops out of his country's south, saying they inflame restiveness among minority Muslims, who resent atrocities committed by American colonial forces in the early 1900s. Last week, the foul-mouthed Duterte told Barack Obama to "go to hell."

Source: ABC News October 12, 2016 11:52 UTC