DAVAO CITY – The Davao City Government expressed firm opposition to any proposal involving the establishment of United States military facilities within its territorial jurisdiction.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, April 14, City Information Office head Harvey Lanticse said such initiatives would not be acceptable to the local government.
Lanticse clarified the city’s position, stressing that the local government does not support or welcome any foreign military infrastructure in Davao.
“The city government will resist any attempt to establish US military installations within Davao,” Lanticse said.
The statement comes amid broader national conversations on the Philippines’ defense cooperation with the United States, particularly under the 2014 Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement.
EDCA allows the rotational presence of US forces and the development of agreed-upon support facilities in designated sites.
According to reports, nine locations across the country have been identified under EDCA arrangements as of now. Davao Gulf is not among the approved areas.
However, the Gulf has recently been mentioned in discussions as a possible site for a large fuel storage facility reportedly linked to US interests, prompting renewed clarification from the city government regarding its position.
While no specific countermeasures were outlined, the local officials reiterated that any proposal involving foreign military installations within the city will not be supported. (By Ivy Tejano)
