Some fear US-Philippines war games are drawing conflict closer to home

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Published 5/23/2026, 3:19:47 AM · Updated 5/23/2026, 6:32:08 AMBy TheBriefWire Editorial Team

Some fear US-Philippines war games are drawing conflict closer to home

Key points

  • Critics of US, Philippine military cooperation say closely aligning with Washington makes Manila a possible target in a future conflict.
  • Quezon City – On a highway in the Ilocos Norte province earlier this month, Father Arvin Mangrubang of the Philippine Independent Church slowly drove opposite a dozen or so hulking armoured vehicles and trucks carrying United States soldiers.
  • He felt a pit form in his throat.
  • “It’s become so normalised around here, the military, the threat of war,” Mangrubang told Al Jazeera.
  • This coastal province on the country’s northwestern tip faces the South China Sea and is just 345km (214 miles) south of Taiwan.

Published May 23, 2026.

Quick Summary

Critics of US, Philippine military cooperation say closely aligning with Washington makes Manila a possible target in a future conflict. Quezon City – On a

Why It Matters

This development is important because it may impact public opinion, policy decisions, and future developments related to Some fear US-Philippines war games are drawing conflict clos.

Key Takeaways

  • Critics of US, Philippine military cooperation say closely aligning with Washington makes Manila a possible target in a future conflict.
  • Quezon City – On a highway in the Ilocos Norte province earlier this month, Father Arvin Mangrubang of the Philippine Independent Church slowly drove opposite a dozen or so hulking armoured vehicles and trucks carrying United States soldiers.
  • He felt a pit form in his throat.
  • “It’s become so normalised around here, the military, the threat of war,” Mangrubang told Al Jazeera.
  • This coastal province on the country’s northwestern tip faces the South China Sea and is just 345km (214 miles) south of Taiwan.

📌 Source: Al Jazeera

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