US Defense chief's visit to RP deferred - report

MANILA, Philippines – United States Defense Secretary Robert Gates’ scheduled arrival to the Philippines on Sunday was postponed, a radio report said. Radio dzBB’s Tuesday Niu said Gates’ entourage had informed authorities in the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) that their aircraft developed engine trouble while en route to the Philippines. The report said Gates’ arrival was moved to 10:30 a.m. on Monday. He is set to meet Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. to discuss bilateral security issues, including the global threat of terrorism, disaster response, and provision of humanitarian assistance. "The visit of Secretary Gates is a continuing proof of the high regard both countries attach to our long-standing defense relations," Teodoro said in a statement. Gates’ visit to the Philippines was upon the invitation of Teodoro. Gates, who served as director of the Central Intelligence Agency from 1991 up to 1993, assumed as US defense chief in December, replacing Donald Rumsfeld. US is a major partner of the Philippines in the fight against terrorism. A number of US experts are still in Mindanao, training Filipino troops in the fight against the Abu Sayyaf and providing intelligence information needed by the troops. The visit of Gates is coming at a time when some sectors are calling for the review of the RP-US Visiting Forces Agreement, a pact that provides legal framework to joint RP and US exercises including the large-scale Balikatan exercises. - GMANews.TV