The Security Situation in the Philippines:2008

In the midst of reports on a coup and the threat of terrorism, the US State Department has invited Philippine secretary Teodoro for a visit to Washington. The invitation came in the heels of the breakdown of talks between the MILF-GRP, possible rise of terror activities, the increased activities of the CPP-NPA-NDF and the purported shot-down of a Philippine trainer plane in the Spratlys. These events are alarming to say the least, but for Philippine defense officials, these events are considered "manageable".

Obviously, the Philippines is an important component of the US homeland and external defense plan. However, reports of a shot-down is quite alarming, especially to the US. The Spratlys area is a critical flash point in the past and such an incident, if it ever happened, expose the weakness of the Philippines in responding to such matters. It shows how weak this country is against foreign threats.

One of the interest of the US is the establishment or building of a forward base in Mindanao, which, according to intel reports, have been established already. This forward base aims to counter any possible Chinese attacks in the mainland. For the US, China remains as a major and serious threat to US national security. Despite its reversion to capitalism, China is still controlled by the Communist Party which, traditionally, has been waging an ideological war against the US.

Likewise, Mindanao continues to harbor terror groups, like the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG). Reports on Dulmatin going in and out of Philippine territory shows how fragile Philippine immigration defenses are. Remember that the Al-Queda just issued a threatening statement against the US, vowing to conduct a more serious one, more lethal that 9/11. There are indications that the Philippines is being used by JI and other regional terrorists as a training ground and these are evident with the increase of bombing activities in the country.

With such serious breaches of both external and internal security of the Philippines, its quite prudent for the US to invite our defense secretary over there. A weakening US economy needs a stringent and more effective defense plan to protect US interests globally. Without the active participation of the Philippines, US interests in Southeast Asia remains vulnerable and weak.