The United States and Philippines have finally decided to reduce the numbers of annual joint military drills.

The chief of Armed Forces of Philippines (AFP) Gen. Ricardo Visaya announced on Wednesday that the country has decided to end at least five joint military exercises with the United States. The scrapped five joint military exercises also include two major naval drills - Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX) and Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT).

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"The annual CARAT and PHiBLEX exercises have been scrapped in future military drills between the two countries," Visaya said. He also informed that the two countries have decide to scale down their yearly joint exercise from 263 to 258 in 2017. 

Visaya further stated that the Philippines defense officials conveyed the decision to the US military. Visaya on Tuesday met with United States Pacific Command commander Admiral Harry Harris Jr. and reportedly discussed the issue. The US reportedly supported the move and agreed to focus instead on humanitarian assistance and disaster response exercises.  

"The two allies will focus more on humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations and other non-traditional military training and exercises," a Philippines military official said.

The move comes amid Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's vow to reduce US military's presence in the country. Last month, Duterte had also pledged to stop joint military drills with US forces and announced his country's 'military' separation from the US. The new Philippines leader is now known for his anti-US stance and his strong interest to align with China and Russia. 

TagsPhilippines, US, joint military exercises, Pacific Command, Armed Forces of the Philippines