U.S., Philippine marines cut short joint military exercises

The U.S. and Philippine marines have decided to cut short their amphibious landing exercises and live-fire training in the Philippines, ending the games one day ahead of schedule, a spokesman for the Philippine marines said on Monday.

Both sides have agreed to end the exercises on Tuesday instead of Wednesday, Capt. Ryan Lacuesta, spokesman for the Philippine marines, said.

The drills, which started on Oct. 4, were conducted in several areas in the Philippine Luzon island and Palawan province.

Lacuesta told reporters that the closing ceremony would be held at the Philippine marine headquarters in Manila on Tuesday.

"All major events have already been conducted. All the major exercises have been accomplished already so we decided to move the closing," he said.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who assumed presidency in June, said he wants to terminate military exercises with the U.S. during his term and prohibit the Philippine military from joining in joint patrols in the South China Sea.

The U.S. and the Philippines conduct three major joint exercises and 28 minor cross-training exercises every year. Endit