Typhon Mid-Range Capability (MRC) launcher developed by the US Army. Courtesy of Capt. Ryan Debooy, US Army MANILA (UPDATED) — The Philippines has the right to make defense decisions, including the entry and redeployment of US missile launchers, within its territory, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said Friday after China called the move dangerous and irresponsible.

The US brought its Typhon missile system to the Philippines last April as part of joint military exercises. The AFP has since said it plans to acquire the system as a deterrent.

China calls US missile deployment in Philippines 'dangerous'

"It's an inherent right of every state to strengthen their defenses accordingly," Col. Francel Margareth Padilla, AFP spokesperson, said.

"How we will go about it is for us to freely do. Walang pwedeng magdikta sa atin (Nobody can dictate to us) how we would do it."

Philippine military plans to acquire US Typhon missile system

According to a Reuters report, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning called the redeplyoment of the Typhon missile system "dangerous" and "extremely irresponsible."

An unnamed Philippine government official is cited in the Reuters report saying the redeployment is meant to see "where and how fast the missile battery could be moved to a new firing position."

China, whose military dwarfs those of the Philippines, previously said of the presence of the missile system that the "region needs peace and prosperity, not missiles and confrontation."

AFP: CHINA'S MILITARIZATION OF WEST PHILIPPINE SEA THE ACTUAL DANGER

Padilla stressed Friday it is Beijing’s presence and militarization in the West Philippine Sea that are “highly dangerous.”

“Inherently, hindi naman offensive ang ating bansa (Inherently, our country is not on the offensive). Constitutionally, we are on the defense side of things,” she noted.

“The presence of their [China’s] ships which are also missile-capable is also highly dangerous. They also have artificial islands in the South China Sea altogether na militarized na and missile-capable (that are militarized and missile-capable)."

She said that the Philippines is building up its defense capabilities.

"[H]ow we do that: We modernize, we strengthen our alliances, and no other nation can question that,” she added.

'PREPARATION PART OF TRAINING'

Padilla confirmed that the Mid-Range Capability missile system has been transferred to an undisclosed location as part of the AFP's training and strengthening of defense capabilities.

“Kasama kasi sa training aspect natin ang mobilization ng logistics train natin. So, whenever it is necessary na ipreposition na siya in preparation for upcoming activities, gagawin natin iyon,” Padilla explained.

(Part of the training aspect is the mobilization of our logistics train, so, whenever preposition is necessary in preparation for upcoming activities, that's what we'll do)

The Typhon system was last spotted in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte.

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PH ENGAGEMENT WITH SECURITY PARTNERS

The Philippines has increased engagement with the US — its treaty ally and former colonizer — and other security partners in light of heightened tension with China over the West Philippine Sea.

Activist groups, including national democratic alliance Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, have cautioned against these moves, which they see as part of a US attempt to counter China's presence and influence in the Indo-Pacific region.

They believe this puts the Philippines at risk of being caught up in the rivalry between the US and China.

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"Our constitution mandates an independent foreign policy, not one that makes us a pawn in great power conflicts," former Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate said Friday.

He said the relocation of the missile system after the arrest in the Philippines of a suspected Chinese spy shows its presence "makes our country a clear magnet for espionage and potential military strikes."

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