By APD writer Melo M. Acuña

Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr. said his office has already served the notice of termination of the Visiting Forces Agreement to the Embassy of the United States of America in Manila early Tuesday afternoon.

He said the Deputy Chief of Mission has received the notice.

In his Tweet, Secretary Locsin said “As a matter of diplomatic courtesy there will be no further factual announcement following this self-explanatory development.”

Meanwhile, Undersecretary for Civilian Security and Consular Concerns Bridigo Dulay said on orders of President Rodrigo Duterte through Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Foreign Secretary Locsin signed the notice of termination of the Visiting Forces Agreement which was later on delivered to the Embassy of the United States of America.

The termination will take effect after 180 days upon receipt of the notice.  

This comes a day after news reports about several members of the Philippine Senate calling for a study of the existing Visiting Forces Agreement before any termination notice be served the American side.  

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)