Crackpot Philippines leader Rodrigo Duterte claims US has built secret nuke bases in his country…and vows revenge
The outspoken President claims the move would be a clear breach of the defence deal between the two countries
FIERY Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte has accused the United States of risking his nation's stability by building 'nuclear' arms depots in his country.
Duterte, who has made no secret of his hatred for the US military presence in his country, said Washington was bringing weapons into three provinces in his country to store permanently.
The tough-talking leader claims the move is a dangerous breach of the defence deal between the two countries.
"They're unloading arms in the Philippines now ... I'm serving notice to the armed forces of the United States. Do not do it, I will not allow it," said Duterte.
"Provisions of the Visiting Forces (Agreement), there shall be no permanent facilities. A depot is by any other name a depot. It's a permanent structure to house arms.
"I do not even know if there is a nuclear tip (missile) now, that they are unloading."
His comments come after the Pentagon gave the green light to build warehouses, barracks and runways this year under a 2014 Enhanced Defence Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) between the two longtime allies.
If US arsenals were built in the Philippines, Duterte said he would consider a review of treaties.
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EDCA allows the expansion of rotational deployment of US ships, aircraft and troops at five bases in the Philippines as well as the storage of equipment for humanitarian and maritime security operations.
Duterte has repeatedly threatened to tear up security deals with the US, while also giving guarantees those would be honoured.
He also chided the US for trying to pressure the Philippines to enforce a ruling last year that invalidated most of Beijing's claims to the South China Sea.
Duterte has done the opposite and has sought to create warm ties and secure investment from China rather than confront it.
He said Washington was putting regional stability at risk and its actions could put the Philippines in "extreme danger" because of the posturing between the US and China.
"You are egging us ... egging us (on) to force the issue of arbitral judgment," he said, referring to Donald Trump's government.
"The missiles of China are pointed at the American expeditions," he said, referring to its naval patrols. "A depot would serve as a supply line."
Duterte said he had an "urgent" message to China, asking it to help provide precision-guided missiles so Philippine troops could fight ISIS-linked militants in the south.
He said the court ruling on the South China Sea would be discussed with China when the time was right.
"I made a commitment to President Xi Jinping, I made a solemn commitment that we will talk about this arbitral award during my term. When, I really do not know, but we will talk hard," he said.