President Rodrigo Duterte’s pronouncement of the U.S. forces to leave southern Philippines is prompting concerns within the military – “the one institution he most needs to keep on his side,” wrote Trefor Moss of The Wall Street Journal.
“Mr. Duterte is fully aware that past presidents have crossed the military at their peril” Moss stated, noting that Duterte “spent much of the first 11 weeks of his six-year term touring bases to muster support among the rank and file” declaring pledge to double soldiers’ salaries.
“Even some old military hands in the president’s inner circle have appeared dumbfounded,” Moss added.
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