Lorenzana says situation in Iran being watched

January 5, 2020

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the situation in Iran is being  watched after the death of a top Iranian general which was caused by a US airstrike.

"I don’t see any threat to our security here at home. Yet. This may change in the future," he said in a Viber message to the Daily Manila Shimbun Saturday.

Lorenzana said government forces will monitor possible terrorist attacks by  allies of terrorists from Middle East.

"They might, they might create trouble," he told reporters in an ambush interview after the Armed Forces of the Philippines change of command ceremony in Camp Aguinaldo.

Lorenzana said the incident may affect the country in case Iran will block the Stait of Hormuz.

"If Itan will close the Hormuz the price of gasoline will increase," he said.

Lorenzana assures that the Philippines will not be dragged in case of war between United States and Iran.

Despite having a Mutual Defense Agreement (MDT) with United States, Lorenzana emphasized the agreement does not cover conflicts outside the region.

"No. The MDT covers only conflicts here in our region," Lorenzana said. Robina Asido/DMS