President Rodrigo Duterte has accused the United States (US) of conducting an arms build-up in the Philippines.
In a press conference at midnight on Sunday in Malacañang, the President said, the US is sending weapons to depots in three provinces.
“They are unloading arms in the Philippines now – in Palawan, Cagayan de Oro and Pampanga.”
Thus, he is asking the United States to stop this reported activity.
“I am serving notice to the United States Armed Forces. I will not allow it. Bawal e (it is prohibited). It is not allowed,” he stressed.
Duterte also said, the arrival of US weapons is prohibited under the RP-US Mutual Defense Treaty.
“It is now allowed by the treaty,” he said.
He warned the United States, “you do that and I will abrograte the treaty altogether.”
He told the US to avoid putting the Philippines in the middle of hostilities between the US and China.
“The missiles of China are pointed Americans here. The depots serve as supply lines. Huwag mo ng isubo ang Pilipinas (do not drag the Philippines into it),” he asked the US.
