The Philippine defence chief says disagreements in negotiations between US and Filipino officials may prevent an early conclusion of an accord allowing an increase in American military presence in the country.
US and Filipino officials began negotiations in August on a defence agreement that would allow larger numbers of US troops to have temporary access to Philippine military camps and bring in aircraft, ships and other equipment. US troops have already been allowed to train Filipino anti-terrorism forces in the south since 2002.
Defence Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said Tuesday one key issue involves a US failure to clearly commit to a condition for the Philippines to have control over and access to temporary American facilities to be set up in local camps.
US Embassy officials did not immediately comment.