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MANILA, Philippines?The US ambassador to the Philippines has denied anew that American soldiers who are in the Philippines for training exercises are not engaged in any combat operations.
Speaking at the Manila Overseas Press Club?s Diplomatic Night? in Makati City Tuesday, Thomas sought to dispel fears that the US was in fact orchestrating the Philippine military's war against terror.
?Let me say, for the record, that the temporarily deployed components of the Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines do not, repeat not, engage in combat,? he said. ?They offer information, training, technical and medical support to the very brave AFP soldiers who are on the front lines.?
Thomas said the security cooperation between the two countries was vital not just in counter-terrorism but also in improving the life of the two nations. He also lauded the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police for having taken an increasingly effective posture against terrorists.
?The Philippines has been a gracious host to joint training exercises that allow both our militaries to practice skills to ensure we are effective partners whether working on a UN peacekeeping mission or responding to a natural disaster in Manila, in New Orleans, or in Haiti,? he said.
Thomas also said the granting of rewards for the capture and neutralization of terrorists in the Philippines has been very effective.
?We use all means at our disposal to try to apprehend those who would deny us freedom, those who would deny us education, those who would deny us rights. And I think that's only fair we're here to partner with the Filipino people in that,? he said.
On the Visiting Forces Agreement, Thomas said this was one ?partnership that saves lives? and that this agreement makes this cooperation possible in ?an atmosphere of absolute respect for Philippine sovereignty.?
Asked during the open forum if the US was open to reviewing the VFA, Thomas said : ?I think that's not for us to decide; it's for the Philippines to decide.?
He said the embassy welcomed peaceful demonstrations against the VFA but would not support ?violent demonstrations.?
