RP-US defense officials to meet in Hawaii

A panel of Philippine and US defense officials will meet in Hawaii this weekend to discuss cooperation in dealing with terrorism and other security threats not covered by Manila’s defense treaty with Washington.

This will be the first meeting of the Security Engagement Board (SEB), which was formed recently in line with a new security arrangement between the Philippines and the United States, which will expand US military involvement in dealing with threats in the Philippines.

Armed Forces chief Gen. Generoso Senga will lead the Philippine delegation. He co-chairs the board with Adm. Will Fallon, commander of US forces in the Pacific region.

Defense Secretary Avelino Cruz said the SEB meeting will coincide with the regular Mutual Defense Board meeting, aimed at enhancing defense cooperation.

"In the first hour, they will discuss preparations for external armed attack and in the second hour they will discuss how to address non-traditional concerns," Cruz said.

Cruz was referring to threats not covered by the 1951 defense treaty between the Philippines and the United States.

The new security arrangement has come under Senate scrutiny.

Some senators contend that it needs Senate ratification because it extends the scope of the 1999 Visiting Forces Agreement, which allows US forces to hold exercises with Philippine troops.

The Constitution prohibits foreign troops from engaging in combat on local soil.

Cruz insisted that no ratification was necessary. "In essence, it is just a venue where you can talk, discuss and consult on what activities the Philippine government is going to agree to cooperate (on) with the US. It does not entail any change in policy," he argued.

In 1951, Manila and Washington signed the Mutual Defense Treaty to help defend each other in case of external attacks.

The new security agreement will tackle threats not covered by the Philippines’ defense treaty with the United States.

US troops may take an active role in Manila’s efforts against cross-border threats — such as terrorism, piracy and transnational crime — as well as dealing with natural disasters. — Jaime Laude