Escudero doubts Putin’s claim that US brought nuclear missiles to Philippines

July 1, 2024 , 05:34 PM

By Gabriel Kim Leal

(July 1, 2024) – Senate Pres. Chiz Escudero on Monday expressed doubt on the claim of Russia Pres. Vladimir Putin that the United States (US) brought nuclear-capable missiles to the Philippines.

In a report by international news agency Reuters last Friday, Putin announced that Russia might resume making powerful missiles after accusing the US of deploying similar weapons in Europe and Asia, particularly Denmark and the Philippines.

“We need to respond to this and make decisions about what we will have to do in this direction next,” said Putin on state media, as documented by Reuters.

When asked about the matter, Escudero did not make much of it.

“‘Di ko alam ‘yon. At base lang siguro sa sarili nilang intel ‘yun na hindi naman nakabase marahil sa realidad o sa totoo dahil baka bahagi lamang ‘yan ng EDCA (Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement) o ng military exercise na sinasagawa (ng US at Pilipinas) na kukunin din naman o aalisin pagdating ng panahon,” said Escudero.

Putin did not mention when the US brought the strong missiles to the Philippines.

Escudero said Russia should not interfere with the Philippines’ right to develop its military capability, including a missile system. He, however, acknowledged that the issue would be different if a foreign country was to place military equipment in the Philippines.

“Kung sarili nating (armas) ‘yung tinutukoy niya, hindi ‘yun dapat pakialaman ng ibang bansa dahil karapatan naman natin ‘yun na magkaroon ng sarili nating kagamitan para depensahan ating bansa,” added Escudero.

According to Reuters, Putin did not say exactly where Russia might put its new missiles.

The Philippines and the US once again held their annual Balikatan Exercise last April, with the Armed Forces of the Philippines touting it as the biggest edition yet.

Rising tensions with China in the West Philippine Sea have prompted calls for Pres. Bongbong Marcos Jr. to invoke the country’s Mutual Defense Treaty with the US. He, however, already shot down the idea, saying the Philippines will never instigate a war.

Amid Putin’s claim, Escudero reiterated the importance of improving the country’s armed forces.

“Ito ang pinakamalaking deterrent kumpara sa anumang military exercises, kumpara sa anumang EDCA kabilang ang iba’t ibang bansa,” said Escudero.

(With reports from Ria Fernandez, News5)

(PM)

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