US deploys midrange missile system in PH amid joint military exercise

The United States Army’s Mid-Range Capability missile system (MRCS) is now in an undisclosed location in Northern Luzon as part of Exercise Salaknib 24 with the Philippine Army.

According to a 24 Oras report by Joseph Morong on Thursday, this is the first time the MRCS system has been deployed to the country and provides the US forces with the ability to launch Standard Missile 6 and Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles (TLAMs) across the Luzon Strait.

Exercise Balikatan 2024, which will be held after Salaknib 24, with over 16,000 Filipino and US personnel, will introduce the SM6 Missile System that can reach up to 300 nautical miles or more than 500 kilometers, a range that surpasses the 370 kilometer distance between the northernmost point of the Philippines and southern Taiwan.

Critics claim this move places Filipino lives in greater danger.

“By allowing (Tomahawk missile launchers on Philippine soil), President Marcos is openly signaling hostile intent against China, giving the US the capability to launch attacks on China’s homeland from our own territory,” said citizen’s movement group P1NAS spokesperson Antonio Tinio.

“This recklessly escalates the ongoing conflict… and places the lives of Filipinos in the direct path of attack or retaliation in the event of war, since China will automatically target these launchers,” added Tinio.

Despite this, Balikatan 2024 Executive Agent Colonel Mike Logico said the SM6 will not be fired during the exercise.

“We are testing the feasibility of bringing this weapon system by air and offloading it into a secure and established place,” Logico explained.

He also admitted that the military exercises between the US and the Philippines are being conducted in northern Luzon is due to its proximity to Taiwan, a potential flashpoint of hostilities with China.

“The purpose of an armed forces– why we exist– is really to prepare for war. There’s no sugarcoating it. That’s absolutely true… With or without China, let’s say for example in a parallel universe China did not exist, we would still be doing these exercises,” he pointed out.

Maritime expert Jay Batongbacal also agreed with the location of the exercises.

“Given the current geopolitical environment and concerns over China’s increasing aggressiveness, it’s alright, I think, to prepare for it,” he said.

“It shows, in case of any contingency, there’s the capability to respond. It gives assurance that anyone attempting to destabilize the region will not have an easy time. There’s a deterrence factor as well,” Batongbacal added.

China: 'grave concern'

In a press conference, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian said China noted the announcement and expresses grave concern over the move.

"China strongly opposes the US deploying medium-range ballistic missiles in the Asia-Pacific and strengthening forward deployment at China’s doorstep to seek unilateral military advantage."

Beijing said the US move "exacerbates tensions in the region and increases the risk of misjudgment and miscalculation."

"We urge the US to earnestly respect other countries’ security concerns, stop stoking military confrontation, stop undermining peace and stability in the region, and take concrete actions to reduce strategic risks. The Philippines needs to see nd be mindful of what the US is truly after and the consequence of going along with the US on deploying MRBMs (Medium Range Ballistic Missiles)," Lin said.

He added that, "The Philippines needs to think twice about being a cat’s paw for the US at the expense of its own security interests, and stop sliding down the wrong path."—Jiselle Anne Casucian/RF, GMA Integrated News