By Ivy Tejano
DAVAO CITY – The Davao City government strongly opposed any proposal to construct United States military infrastructure within its jurisdiction, warning that such plans would meet resistance.
In a statement released on Tuesday, April 14, City Information Office head Harvey Lanticse said the local government does not support the establishment of foreign military facilities in the city.
"The City Government of Davao does not welcome and will oppose any plan to build US military facilities within the jurisdiction," Lanticse said.
Davao City's position came amid national discussions on the possible expansion of the US military presence in the Philippines under the 2014 Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement.
Reports said that the 2014 Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement allows rotational deployment of American forces and the construction of support facilities in approved locations.
At present, nine sites in the country have been designated under the agreement. The Davao Gulf is not included among those locations.
The Davao Gulf has surfaced in recent discussions as a potential site for a large fuel storage facility reportedly backed by the US, prompting the city to reiterate its opposition.
Davao City did not elaborate on specific actions that may be taken should a proposal formally materialize, but maintains opposition to foreign military facilities within the city.
