THE Philippine
military said Monday 23 Dec it plans to acquire the US Typhon missile system to
protect its maritime interests, some of which overlap with regional power China.
The US Army deployed the mid-range missile system
in northern Luzon in April for annual joint military exercises with its longtime
ally but decided to leave it there despite criticism by Beijing that it was
destabilizing to Asia.
Since then, it has
been used by Philippine forces to train for its operation.