January 27, 2017 | 21:36 (GMT+7)
US to build facilities in Philippines’ military bases
The US will upgrade and build facilities in Philippine military bases this year, said Manila's Defense Minister Delfin Lorenzana on January 26.
US-Philippine military exercise. Photo: getty images
The plan is part of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) signed between the two counties in 2014.
Lorenzana said Washington had committed to build warehouses, barracks and runways in the five agreed locations, including Basa Air Base the Pampanga province, Antonio Bautista Air Base in the island province of Palawan, Magsaysay Fort in Nueva Ecija province, the northern Island of Luzon, Lumbia Air Base in the southern province of Cagayan de Oro, and Mactan-Benito Ebuen Air Base in Mactan Island of the coast of Cebu in the central Philippines.
EDCA allows the expansion of rotational deployment of US ships, aircraft and troops at the five bases as well as the storage of equipment for humanitarian and maritime security operations.
Previously, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte stated he wants to review all security agreements signed between the two countries. He even threatened to cancel the EDCA as he said the deal no longer brings benefits to the Philippine army.
Source: VNA