24.04.2014 - 01:22 [ CBS ]

Anti-U.S. protest violence ahead of Obama visit highlights concern over military pact in Philippines

The accord will allow more U.S. troops, aircraft and ships to be temporarily stationed in selected Philippine military camps as a counterweight to China and as a standby disaster-response force. About 500 American soldiers have been based in the southern Philippines since 2002 to provide anti-terrorism training and intelligence to Filipino troops battling al Qaeda-linked militants.