
Hoping to renew U.S.-Filipino defense ties amid strained political relations, the head of U.S. Pacific Command said Nov. 15 that he plans to travel to Manila next week to meet with his counterparts and iron out plans for next year’s joint military exercises.Navy Adm. Harry Harris said that despite anti-American comments made by new Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte, military cooperation between the two countries remains robust, and he is optimistic the relationship will not change after his Nov. 22 visit.“Our…