“Duterte is likely to use extensive and brutal force. American troops should leave to avoid being in harm’s Duterte’s way.”
Yep. Given Duterte’s sensitivity to Obama’s recent human rights criticisms (which are probably justified but considering the “victims”, who cares?), it sounds as if he doesn’t want foreigners witnessing or hindering his actions.
He doesn’t want any witnesses to what he’s about to bring down on Abu Sayef and he knows the SF guys have to play by a certain set of rules that he doesn’t.
Unfortunate, because if given the chance, I’m quite sure that the SF guys are more than willing to bring a level of violence that even Duerte might find a little scary.