US envoy says RP not a breeder of terrorism

MANILA, Philippines - US Ambassador Harry K. Thomas Jr. yesterday hailed the Philippines as a partner in the campaign against terror, as against allegations that the country is a breeder of terrorism.

In an interview on ANC, Thomas underscored the importance of working with countries to fight terrorism.

He said the Abu Sayyaf and Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) in the Philippines are only interested in terrorist activities.

“I don’t see the Philippines as a breeder of terrorism but I see the Philippines as a partner to rid the world of terrorists,” he said.

Thomas said the US government looks forward in a continuing partnership with President Aquino in the campaign against terrorism.

Washington still did not show any indication agreeing for a review of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) but Thomas said Manila is expected to live up to its treaty obligations.

“It’s extremely important that we have a military exchange program,” he said.

Thomas said the VFA allowed the US troops last year to bring in relief goods and operations in disaster struck areas in the Philippines.

“Without the VFA, it would have been much more difficult to bring in that aid so quickly,” he said.

The Presidential Commission on the Visiting Forces Agreement Commission (VFACOM) said the VFA is vital for continued US support for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

The US government is helping the AFP in technical and logistical training in the fight against terrorism, particularly against the Abu Sayyaf in southern Philippines.

Undersecretary Edilberto Adan, executive director of VFACOM, said the ten-year-old VFA treaty continues to serve the national interest by paving way for increased military cooperation between the Philippines and the US.

Adan said the VFA also enhances the security relations between the two countries.

The Philippines and the US are not “receptive” to a review of the VFA since both countries justified the defense accord works very well and beneficial.