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AFP: Missile system deployment part of PH, US long-standing ties

Philippine News Agency

By Priam Nepomuceno
January 24, 2025, 3:01 pm

MANILA -- The presence of the United States-made "Mid-Range Capability" (MRC) Typhon Missile System in the Philippines is part of the Manila's long-standing defense relationship with Washington DC, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said Friday.

"The primary objective of this deployment is to strengthen Philippine military readiness, improve our familiarization and interoperability with advanced weapon systems, and support regional security," AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said in a message to reporters.

China on Thursday criticized the missile system's deployment to the Philippines, saying it threatens regional peace and security.

Padilla added the Philippines and US governments coordinate closely on all aspects of the MRC deployment, including its positioning.

"These arrangements reflect shared operational considerations and mutual consultations between our two nations," Padilla said.

"On the duration of the deployment and other related matters, these decisions are made in close coordination with our allies and partners to align with both operational and security requirements."

In a separate interview, Padilla said the unannounced transfer of the MRC to an undisclosed location in the country was done in order not to compromise its security.

The MRC was earlier deployed to Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, and used to train and familiarize Philippine Army troops on the weapon systems last year.

"Whenever we conduct any of our exercises, we do not give announcements prior(s), para hindi naman natin macompromise ano yung (as not to compromise our) security," Padilla said.

Asked on China's reaction on the issue, the AFP spokesperson said, "there is no single entity who can dictate how we would do our deployments in terms of our defenses."

"It's an inherent right of every state to heighten and strengthen their defenses accordingly," she added. (PNA)