Officers and crew of BRP Antonio Luna (FF151) wave as USS John Finn (DDG113) passes during a Passing Exercise (PASSEX) last January. Official handout.
Manuel Mogato | August 20, 2026
MANILA — The Philippines remained confident that the United States would not scale down joint exercises and training in the country despite US President Donald Trump’s decision to redeploy a carrier group to the Middle East and reduce activities on the Korean Peninsula.
Retired Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, the military’s spokesman for the West Philippine Sea, said the US commitment to the Philippines remained “ironclad.”
“In so far as the Philippines is concerned, the movement of a carrier battle group…will not affect the MDB-SEB (Mutual Defense Board-Security Engagement Board) activities for this year,” said Trinidad.
Trinidad said the US and the Philippines had agreed earlier this month to hold more than 500 military activities, including military exercises and patrols in the West Philippine Sea. (Also read: U.S. senior defense official sees PH as ‘model ally’ in shift toward stronger regional deterrence)
“We do not foresee any dip or any slowing down in our MDB-SEB activities,” said Trinidad.
Earlier reports said the US would remove aircraft carrier USS George Washington and its battle group from the Pacific Command (Pacom) area.
It will be sent to the Middle East to replace the USS Abraham Lincoln battle group after an extended deployment in the area since the start of the conflict with Iran.
“Historically, the pulling out of any particular capability from the Pacom theater will always be replaced when the contingencies in the other parts of the globe have subsided,” said Trinidad.
Trump has also reduced training exercises with South Korea this month after Seoul declined to help in the Midde East conflict.
He said the military does not speculate on possible scenarios after the US redeployment because the country’s defense and security is provided primarily by the Armed Forces. Besides, the Philippines has the support of other partners, allies, and like-minded nations. (Also read: Pentagon official praises ‘progress’ in EDCA sites in the Philippines)
He said the Philippines has military deals with Australia, Canada, Japan, and New Zealand for training and exercises.
