February 4 marks the start of the Philippine-American war 113 years ago, instigated by supposedly friendly US troops who fired at Filipino soldiers of the nascent First Philippine Republic. Through superior armaments, brutal means and devious tactics, the US prevailed and thereafter established direct colonial rule.
It’s important to recall that historical episode when we examine the implications of the US-Phl negotiations conducted in Washington DC last week, disclosed by the Washington Post, regarding the expanded American role and military presence here.
