Año: No plan to pull out US missiles from Phl

There are no plans to pull out a US mid-range missile system in the Philippines, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año confirmed yesterday, saying China cannot dictate to Manila "what to do.

-  PIA LEE-BRAGO

" He said the withdrawal of the Typhon mid-range missile system would be decided by the Mutual Defense Board-Security Engagement Board (MDBSEB).

"There are no plans to pull it out any time soon. It will be the decision of the MDBSEB. They are the ones who have a say and there will be a consultation," Año said in a chance interview at Sangley Point in Cavite.

"But for now, we need what you call the Typhon missile launcher for the training and capability upgrading of our armed forces. We should also know how to operate this because, in the future, this will be the equipment we want to procure," he added.

The top security adviser noted there is no timeline for the deployment of the missile system in the country.

China urged the US to quickly pull out the missile system, calling the deployment a move to turn back the wheel of history that gravely threatens regional countries' security.

"We are an independent country.