Philippines not concerned Iran war will distract US from region, top defence official says

By Karen Lema and Nestor CorralesMANILA, April 28 (Reuters) - The Philippines is not worried about any reduction in U.S. deterrence capabilities in the Indo-Pacific due to the war in the Middle East, its defence secretary said on Tuesday, although he warned China could try and seize any perceived opening.Gilberto Teodoro's comments came in an interview withReuters amid annual joint military drills with the United Statesthat have drawn the largest ever number of participating countries, including Japanese combat troops for the first time.