MANILA, Philippines — For Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief General Romeo Brawner Jr., the United States’ Typhon midrange capability (MRC) missile should stay in the country permanently.
Brawner made the remark on Wednesday as the Army announced the extended stay of the ground-based missile system, which is capable of firing Tomahawk and SM-6 missiles, amid mounting tensions in the West Philippine Sea.
“If I were given a choice, I would like to have the Typhons here in the Philippines forever,” Brawner said in an ambush interview in Pasay City.
READ: West Philippine Sea: Teodoro defends US missile’s extended stay in PH
The MRC arrived in the country from the United States on April 11 and was first used during its bilateral war games with the country.
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The Philippine Army said the MRC was also used for the bilateral Army drills between Manila and Washington, which was already finished on Sept. 22.
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READ: Army spox: US missile system to be removed from PH by Sept
However, Army spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala said the MRC will stay in the country until further notice as both countries conduct evaluations if it will be used in future drills.
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