PH Defense Secretary open to US plan to establish ammo facility in Subic Bay

MANILA – National Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Monday expressed openness to the possibility of a US ammunition production and storage facility being eyed at the former American base in Subic Bay, Zambales.

While he has not yet received any formal proposal, he believes such a development would be beneficial to the Philippines.

"Any production entity which would be of benefit to the Philippines, not only in terms of our resilience, but improving, giving employment, and other technological transfers, that might be encouraged," he said in a press briefing at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel.

He said such a proposal is likely considering that the Philippines and the United States are "like-minded and treaty partners".

Earlier reports said US lawmakers are looking at the possibility of establishing these facilities at Subic Bay, citing the "lack of forward-staged ammunition manufacturing" in the Indo-Pacific Region.

With this development, the US House Committee on Appropriations ordered its Department of Defense, State Department, and the International Development Finance Corporation to assess the feasibility of establishing such facilities in Subic Bay. (PNA) 

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US Defense Secretary, US Ambassador visit Subic Bay following dialogue with Ph counterparts

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Board of Directors and agency officials welcome US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III and US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson, during their brief visit to Subic Bay Freeport on Wednesday (July 31, 2024) as part of their official itinerary. 

This, after Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, alongside the US Defense Secretary, met with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., in Manila the day before the Subic visit. 

The US officials held the 4th 2+2 ministerial dialogue with their Filipino counterparts, Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo and Secretary of National Defense Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr. 

Secretary Blinken, Secretary Austin, and President Marcos discussed the momentum in United States-Philippines relations over the past year and reaffirmed the critical role of the U.S.-Philippines Alliance in realizing our shared vision of a free and open, connected, prosperous, secure, and resilient Indo-Pacific region. 

While in Subic Freeport, Secretary Austin visited the headquarters of the Philippine Navy at the Agila Subic compound (Agila North). 

On his social media site X, Secretary Austin wrote: “It was great to visit Subic Bay, including the headquarters of the Philippine Navy, at a time when we’re doing more than ever to deepen our defense industrial cooperation and support the Philippine military’s modernization.” 

Later, Austin wrote another post: “The United States, the Philippines, and our partners are hard at strengthening our defense industrial bases like never before. It was great to see those results and opportunities firsthand at Subic Bay.” 

The United States government plans to invest in high-quality, high-impact infrastructure via the Luzon Economic Corridor that includes key economic hubs such as Subic Bay, Clark, Manila, and Batangas (SNL).

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USS Bremerton Visits Subic Bay during Indo-Pacific Deployment

The Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Bremerton (SSN 698) arrived at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone March 1 for a routine port visit during its deployment to the Indo-Pacific region.

The visit highlights the strong partnership between the United States and the Republic of the Philippines and gives the crew an opportunity to meet the local community living in the Subic area. It also demonstrates the U.S. Navy’s commitment to regional stability and maritime security in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations.

Bremerton’s crew of 150 sailors regularly conducts a variety of missions to maintain proficiency in the latest submarine fleet capabilities. Its stealth, mobility, endurance and firepower allow Bremerton to work independently or in conjunction with a carrier strike group.

“Bremerton’s arrival into Subic Bay means a lot to both my crew and the U.S. submarine force,” said Cmdr. Travis Zettel, commanding officer. “This is Bremerton’s ninth and final visit to Subic Bay in the ship’s 37 year history. My crew and I are looking forward to the opportunity to engage with the local community while simultaneously preparing the ship for the remainder of our deployment.”

A number of the sailors aboard Bremerton have family from the Philippines and through this visit have the chance to better connect with their heritage.

“It really means a lot to me that I get the chance to visit a number of my family members again,” said Machinist’s Mate 3rd Class Christopher Gapasin, who lived in the Philippines for six years and has relatives in the area.

Measuring more than 300 feet long and weighing more than 6,000 tons when submerged, Bremerton is capable of supporting a multitude of missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare and mine warfare.

Bremerton, the oldest commissioned submarine in the U.S. Navy, is currently homeported in Pearl Harbor. Later this year, Bremerton will move to its namesake city, Bremerton, Washington, where it will be decommissioned after nearly 40 years of naval service.

PHOTO:

The Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Bremerton (SSN 698) arrives in Subic Bay Thursday morning, Mar. 01, for a routine port call after its deployment at the Indo-Pacific region. The visit of the 362-ft long vessel will be a chance for its 140 sailors and crew to have a few days of rest and recreation in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

https://ph.usembassy.gov/uss-bremerton-visits-subic-bay-indo-pacific-deployment/

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USS Fitzgerald in brief call at Subic port

THE Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) arrived on Friday in Subic Bay for a brief port call and minor repairs.

The United States Embassy in Manila said the brief port call highlights the strong community and military connections between the Philippines and the US.

The USS Fitzgerald arriving in Subic Bay Freeport

According to the Embassy, the ship’s crew will use the stop to conduct some minor repairs with the assistance of Philippine companies.

The US and Philippines continue to build upon their 70-year history of partnership through defense cooperation, port visits, and military training activities.

Both American and Philippine militaries have worked together on areas of mutual interest including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, counter terrorism, cyber security, and maritime security.

USS Fitzgerald is forward-deployed to the US 7th Fleet area of operations in support of security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (Manila Times)

http://www.manilatimes.net/uss-fitzgerald-brief-call-subic-port/320460/

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Eight PHL bases made available to US under EDCA

The Philippines has offered the United States eight bases where it can build facilities to store equipment and supplies under a new security deal, a military spokesman said on Wednesday, amid rising tension with China over the South China Sea.

Last year, the Philippines and the United States signed the Enhanced Defence Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) granting Washington increased military presence in its former colony, rotating ships and planes for humanitarian and maritime security operations.

"The list has been prepared many months ago when we had earlier discussions," Col. Restituto Padilla told reporters, saying five military airfields, two naval bases and a jungle training camp were offered to the United States.

"These are still subject for approval and we're going to hold final discussions about these areas," he added.

Three of these bases are on the main island of Luzon in the northern Philippines, including Clark airfield, a former US air force base, and two are on the western island of Palawan, near the South China Sea.

The Americans are also seeking access to three civilian seaports and airfields on Luzon, including Subic Bay, a former US Navy base, a senior defense official told Reuters.
...

Subic

Last year, more than 100 US Navy ships docked in Subic and two advanced nuclear-powered stealth submarines made visits in the first two weeks of this year.

"Subic is important to the Americans because it is one of the few areas in the country where they can actually dock safely," said a defense official, who declined to be named because he is not authorized to speak to the press.

In Washington, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said security cooperation with the US had become more intertwined amid increasing tension over the South China Sea.

The Philippines has filed a protest against China's test flights from an artificial island in the South China Sea, a foreign ministry spokesman said, describing the actions as "provocative" and a violation of an existing informal code.

Every year more than $5 trillion of world trade is shipped through the South China Sea, believed to have huge deposits of oil and gas, which China claims almost entirely. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam have rival claims.

China's official Xinhua news agency, in an English-language commentary, said the EDCA would only escalate tension and "could push the situation to the brink of war."

"The deal is groundless because China, which sticks to a defensive defence policy, has never coerced any country on the South China Sea issue," it said. (Reuters with Amita Legaspi/KBK, GMA News)

PHOTO:

A local marching band welcomes the arrival of sailors aboard the USS Topeka (SSN-754), a Los Angeles-class submarine, as it prepares to be docked at the Alava pier off Subic port in Zambales province for a three-day port call at northwestern Philippines, Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2016. The Philippines' Supreme Court declared as constitutional on Tuesday the 10-year defense pact, Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, that allows American forces, warships and planes to temporarily base in local military camps in a boost to U.S. efforts to reassert its presence in Asia, where China has loomed large. AP/Jun Dumaguing

Read more - http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/551089/news/nation/eight-phl-bases-made-available-to-us-under-edca

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EDCA prevails: SC rules, 10-4-1, US-PH defense deal constitutional

Recognizing the power of President Aquino to enter into an agreement with another country, the Supreme Court (SC) upheld yesterday the constitutionality of the Philippines-United States Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), paving the way for an expanded US military presence in the country.

Voting 10-4-1, the SC threw out the petitions filed by former senators Rene Saguisag and Wigberto Tañada as well as militant lawmakers, Bayan Muna Party-list Reps. Neri Colmenares and Carlos Zarate, who all believed that the EDCA violates provisions on national sovereignty, territorial integrity and interests, freedom from nuclear weapons, and autonomy of local government units in the Charter.

In a news conference, SC Spokesman Theodore Te said that 10 magistrates voted to declare EDCA legal while four voted to declare it illegal. Justice Francis Jardeleza, who was the solicitor general when the EDCA was signed, had inhibited from the case.

The High Tribunal agreed with the respondents that the EDCA only intended to implement an existing law or treaty such as the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) and the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA).

The SC also disagreed with the position submitted by the Senate that the landmark US-Philippines agreement, which was inked on April 28, 2014, should require the concurrence of at least two-thirds of all the members of the Senate.

“As it is, EDCA is not constitutionally infirm. As an executive agreement, it remains consistent with existing laws and treaties that it purports to implement,” read the SC decision penned by Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno.

Those who disagreed with the majority decision were Justices Arturo Brion, Teresita Leonardo-De Castro, Estela Perlas-Bernabe, and Marvic Leonen. Of the 4, Leonen and Bernabe are appointees of President Aquino.

Under the EDCA, the Philippines will allow US troops, planes and ships increased rotational presence in Philippine military bases and for Washington to build facilities to store fuel and equipment here.

Philippine officials said that the agreement is designed to promote between the two ally countries the following: Interoperability, Capacity building towards AFP modernization, Strengthening AFP for external defense, Maritime Security, Maritime Domain Awareness, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR).

The enhanced defense deal, however, does not authorize the establishment of American military bases.

It also gives Philippine personnel access to American ships and planes.

“The agreement is very clear on this matter and specifies in the Preamble the parties’ understanding for the US not to establish a permanent military presence or base in the territory of the Philippines. The EDCA does not authorize the establishment of US bases. It allows the US military access to agreed location,” it said.

The agreement was signed against the backdrop of the Philippines’ maritime dispute with China over the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea), and America’s commitment to come to its ally’s defense in case this escalates.

Proponents say the deal aims to help build the capacity of the Philippine military, one of the weakest in Asia.

ARGUMENTS ON EDCA

But the petitioners argued that EDCA is a treaty and not merely an executive agreement as the Aquino administration has claimed.

Because of this, the groups said the EDCA violates Section 25, Article XVIII of the Constitution, which requires that any foreign military bases, troops or facilities “shall not be allowed in the Philippines except under a treaty duly concurred in by the Senate.”

But the government, through Solicitor General Florin Hilbay, has argued that EDCA is a valid executive agreement that could stand even without the concurrence of the Senate.

The SC, for its part, ruled that the EDCA is not the instrument that allows US “troops or facilities” to enter since the VFA has already done that.

Also the SC recognizes the President’s power to enter into executive agreements (different from treaties) not requiring Senate concurrence has been well-recognized and long upheld by the Court.

PALACE ELATED

In Malacañang, Presidential Communications Operations Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. hailed the ruling, saying the SC decision “strengthens the strategic partnership between the Philippines and the United States.”

“This ruling boosts the on-going Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) Modernization Program and paves the way for upgrading our military equipment and capability for national defense as well as for humanitarian assistance and disaster response,” Coloma said.

“According to the President, one of the benefits of the EDCA would be to introduce the AFP to the ‘…most modern equipment… and have a generational leap in our abilities’” he added.

US WELCOMES RULING

The United States also welcomed the SC ruling on the constitutionality of EDCA.

“The US welcomes the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), which will further strengthen the US-Philippine bilateral relationship,” the US embassy said in a statement.

It said EDCA is a mutually beneficial agreement that will enhance our ability to provide rapid humanitarian assistance and help build capacity for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

“We look forward to working closely with our Philippine partners on the implementation of this agreement,” it further stated.

The PH-US defense pact was inked hours before President Barack Obama arrived in the country for a two-day state visit iin April 2014. It was signed by U.S. Ambassador Philip Goldberg and Defense Secretary Voltaire T. Gazmin.

The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) described EDCA as a “critical component of our efforts to enhance and strengthen national security and improve our humanitarian assistance and disaster response capabilities.”

ACADEMIC PERSPECTIVE

One of the country’s foremost foreign affairs and economic analysts emphasized, however, that the Philippine government must make sure that the “expected spike in American boots on Philippine soil will not come at the expense of safety and welfare of our citizens, especially those who reside close to the bases.”

Prof. Richard Heydarian, of the De La Salle University in Manila Political Science Department, it is relevant for the Philippines to ensure “fair and balanced treatment for erring foreign troops, to ensure rule of law and uphold justice as well as protect civilian communities from ecological hazards that usually accompany deployment of massive military assets.”

“We must learn from our past experiences and not be solely concerned with China threat,’ said Heydarian in a text message to Manila Bulletin.

He said now that Manila and Washington have overcome “the constitutional hurdle which was by no means certain,” America can now move ahead with augmenting its military presence, albeit rotationally, in Subic and Clark, two major bases that embrace the bitterly contested West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

“Our government hopes that this will serve as a latent deterrent against further Chinese provocations within Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ),” said Heydarian, who is also an expert of Asian geopolitics. “Expanded American military footprint in the area might give China a pause and a reason to rethink its revanchism but it may also very well encourage Beijing to dig and fortify its military-oriented structures and activities in the area.” (Leonard Postrado, with reports from Elena L. Aben, Roy C. Mabasa, Genalyn D. Kabiling, and Charissa M. Luci, Manila Bulletin)

PHOTO:

‘THEY’RE STAYING’ — The ‘USS Topeka,’ a Los Angeles-class submarine, docks at the Alava Pier of the Subic Bay Freeport yesterday, while in Manila, the Supreme Court rules in favor of the constitutionality of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), which allows such routine port calls and the use of Philippine port facilities by visiting US military forces. The SC decision drew protesters like this placard-bearing activist (inset) outside its offices in Manila. (Jonas Reyes and Kevin dela Cruz, Manila Bulletin)

Read More - http://www.mb.com.ph/edca-prevails/

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3 US military warcraft in PH

A maritime surveillance aircraft, a Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine, and a joint high-speed vessel of the United States Navy (USN) are currently in the country.

At Clark Air Base in Pampanga is a P8-A Poseidon, while now in Subic are the USS Cheyenne (SSN 773) and the Military Sealift Command joint high speed vessel USNS Millinocket (JHSV 3).

The P8-A is the most advanced long-range anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare aircraft in the world. A true multi-mission aircraft, it also provides superior maritime intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capability.

A senior military official admitted that the P8-A regularly deploys to the country to conduct joint training and maritime patrol with the Philippine military.

“The P8-A is here on a regular deployment for purposes of continuing bilateral Maritime Security (MarSec) training and for joint Maritime Patrol (MarPat) over important sea lanes,” said the official who requested anonymity.

He stressed that the deployment of the US surveillance aircraft is “under the purview of the 1951 PH-US Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) and activities managed by the PH-US Mutual Defense Board-Security Engagement Board (MDB-SEB).”

“They are here usually for two to three weeks,” he said.

According to the official, the activities conducted with the P8 benefit the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and other countries in terms of skill sets gained from the MarSec training “as well as the added patrols that are put up to watch over our vast coastlines.”

“Nagmamatyag habang nagti-training (Monitoring while training),” the source said.

“The region benefits from it as well since these patrols render sea lanes safer for ships by reducing reaction time in the event of potential emergencies,” he added.

A US military officer earlier said that the P8-A operates out of Clark on a rotational basis. “But they swap units every couple of months. I think it is actually as frequent as every 45 days,” he said.

The US Marine officer emphasized that “the patrolling squadrons abide by the “no activity” periods stipulated by the Philippine government.”

It was learned that the “regular deployment” in Clark of the P8-A started around last quarter of 2014. (Elena L. Aben, Manila Bulletin)

PHOTO:
The USS Cheyenne in one of its port calls in Subic Bay

http://www.mb.com.ph/3-us-military-warcraft-in-ph/

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Royal Australian Navy ships in Subic Bay

Royal Australian Navy ships HMAS Arunta and HMAS Sirius are in Subic for a five-day visit, 7-11 October 2015. The short break from sea will give the ships’ companies an opportunity to continue their association with Filipino colleagues and experience Philippine culture and sights.

“Australia values the deepening engagement with the Philippine Navy,” said Australian Ambassador Bill Tweddell, who welcomed the officers and crews of Arunta and Sirius at Subic, where the ships are docked. The Ambassador was accompanied by Defence Attaché Col Bruce Murray, AM.

Australia and the Philippines have a long-standing Defence Cooperation Program on counter-terrorism, maritime security and assistance to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Program. Recently, Australia gifted two operation-ready Landing Craft Heavy (LCH) from the Royal Australian Navy to help improve the Humanitarian Assistance Disaster Relief (HADR) capacity of the Philippine armed forces.

The Royal Australian Navy played a vital part in the Australian Defence Force’s humanitarian efforts in the Philippines in 2013, carrying emergency supplies, water purifiers, generators, earth moving equipment and vehicles to areas affected by Typhoon Yolanda.

HMAS Arunta is an Anzac class frigate while HMAS Sirius is a fleet replenishment ship. The two ships have just completed successful exercises in the Indian Ocean.

HMAS Arunta is the second Royal Australian Navy ship to bear the name, and has historical ties to the Philippines. The first HMAS Arunta took part in the liberation of the Philippines in 1944, including pre-landing bombardments at Leyte Gulf and the Battle of Surigao Strait. In January 1945 the ship was suffered a near miss from a kamikaze at Lingayen Gulf. In July 1946 the first HMAS Arunta carried Commodore John Collins to Manila for the inauguration of the Philippine Republic.

The current HMAS Arunta has another link to the Philippines. Two Filipino-Australian sailors are currently serving as part of Arunta’s ship's company. Able Seaman Electronics Technician Aaron Scott and Able Seaman Boatswains Mate Matthew Parry will be taking some time off to visit with family in the Philippines.

“This deployment is especially important to me as I am able to visit the Philippines again, and I feel proud that my family will get to see me doing my job. It will also be a good opportunity to embrace, explore and remember what my background culture is all about,” Able Seaman Scott said.

This will be Able Seaman Parry’s first visit to the Philippines. "The port visit to the Philippines will be a great opportunity to meet family I have never met and to see what the culture and the lifestyle is like for my Mother and her family,” he said.

PHOTO:
HMAS Arunta and Sirius conduct a Replenishment at Sea while enroute to Subic Bay, Philippines

http://philippines.embassy.gov.au/mnla/MR151007.html

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No plans to invite US military back to Subic – Palace

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines has no plans to invite the United States military back to Subic Bay in Zambales on a permanent basis just to provide a foil to the Chinese threat, as doing so would violate the Constitution, Malacañang said (yesterday).

In a press briefing, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said the government is fully aware of the constitutional provision banning foreign military bases and troops in the country.

“And we never do anything that is against the Constitution or laws of the government,” Coloma said.

In April last year, the US and the Philippines signed the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement to complement the two countries’ Mutual Defense Treaty and Visiting Forces Agreement.

He added the information on the Obama administration allegedly rejecting a $300-million military aid for the Philippines would need to be clarified as well.

“We are ready to give an explanation if they will be able to show that their statement has basis,” Coloma said.

A New York Times News Service report said the 10-year EDCA would set the stage for an American return to several facilities, including the Subic Bay naval base and Clark Air Base.

The agreement has been questioned before the Supreme Court for allegedly being unconstitutional.

Senators also want to ratify the agreement, saying it is a treaty. But this position runs counter to the stand of the executive branch that the EDCA merely implements earlier agreements between the US and the Philippines, particularly the MDT and the VFA.

The executive branch also defends its constitutionality and points out that EDCA will only provide access and use of Philippine military facilities, and that any US military presence will be “at the invitation of the Philippines and with full respect for the Philippine Constitution and Philippine laws.”

Officials also noted the constitutional provision which prohibits the establishment of “foreign military bases… or facilities” in the country – except under a treaty duly concurred in by the Senate – does not apply to EDCA.

In January, it was reported that the US lifted restrictions on a small portion of its military assistance to the Philippines that was withheld over human rights concerns.

The gesture affects about $15 million withheld over the last five years, a fraction of Washington’s total military assistance to the Philippines.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario said the aid restriction was lifted “sometime last year”but did not explain why it was lifted.

US Assistant Defense Secretary David Shear also earlier said that Washington had provided $300 million in military-related assistance since 2001 and would provide another $40 million in 2015 as part of America’s support to modernize the poorly equipped Philippine military, one of the weakest in the region. (Aurea Calica, The Philippine Star)

PHOTO: Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. addresses reporters during a press conference in Malacañang.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2015/09/23/1502963/no-plans-invite-us-military-back-subic-palace
https://sg.news.yahoo.com/no-plans-invite-us-military-000000791.html

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Japan joins US-PH Humanitarian drills amid South China Sea dispute

SUBIC BAY –Japan has joined US-led maritime humanitarian exercises off the Philippines for the first time, as concerns mount among the three allies about China’s growing assertiveness in the disputed South China Sea.

A Japanese navy replenishment ship was in Subic Bay, a former US naval base, to refuel a US Navy floating hospital en route to Vietnam for the seven-nation humanitarian mission.

It was the first time a Japanese navy ship has taken part in the humanitarian assistance and disaster relief drills from Subic Bay. Japan has participated in past Pacific Partnership missions in other areas.

A flotilla of Japanese training vessels, including a submarine, makes annual port calls in Manila.

Rear Admiral Charles Williams, commander of US Seventh Fleet’s Task Force 73, said humanitarian assistance and disaster relief exercises were becoming a regular component of military exercises in the Philippines.

“You are seeing in exercises ... a shift from strictly bilateral engagement to multilateral, which is why you see the Japanese here today,” Williams told journalists aboard USNS Mercy, one of two US hospital ships.

China claims most of the South China Sea, through which $5 trillion in ship-borne trade passes every year. The Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei also have overlapping claims. Japan and China also have conflicting claims in the East China Sea.

Williams said the presence of Admiral Katsutoshi Kawano, head of Japan’s Self-Defence Forces, “speaks volumes about their commitment to the region and their commitment to being part of a multilateral engagement.”

Kawano met last week with his Philippine counterpart, General Hernando Iriberri, and Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin in Manila, where he expressed interest in holding joint amphibious landing exercises and operations with Philippine marines.

In a meeting with Gazmin, Kawano also expressed interest in sharing information in the South China Sea and capacity building, particularly in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

Williams said humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations were “a great avenue towards increasing maritime stability and security in this region,” part of Washington’s rebalance to Asia policy.

China hit back on Monday at US criticism that it restricts navigation and overflights in the South China Sea. US Secretary of State John Kerry also said China’s construction of facilities on man-made islands for “military purposes” was raising tension and risked “militarization” by other claimant states. (Reuters)

PHOTO:
The USNS Mercy is sandwiched by the USS Pecos (right) and the Japanese Navy ship JDS Mashu (far left) all docked at the Alava Pier early August as participants of Pacific Partnership 2015. (RBB/MPD-SBMA)

http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/japan-joins-us-ph-humanitarian-drills-amid-south-china-sea-dispute

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USS Shiloh arrives in Subic Bay

USS Shiloh (CG-67) arrived in Subic Bay over the weekend for a port visit as part of an ongoing patrol in the Pacific theater.

The USS Shiloh is part of the forward-deployed Naval Forces of the U.S. 7th Fleet — the U.S. Department of Defense unified combatant command responsible for the overall stability of the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

The routinely scheduled port visit will permit the ship to replenish supplies, strengthen people-to-people ties through community outreach and will afford the approximately 360-person crew of which 31 are Filipino-American, the opportunity to briefly experience Filipino culture, which is reflective of strong historic, community, and military connections.

The USS Shiloh, commissioned July 18, 1992, is a Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser and serves as a multi-role warship capable of facing and defeating threats in the air, on sea, or ashore.

The warship is also capable of employing two SH-60 Seahawk multi-purpose helicopters, used primarily for anti-submarine warfare.

The USS Shiloh, named in remembrance of the American Civil War battle operates out of its homeport in Yokosuka, Japan and is commanded by Captain Kurush F Morris.

PHOTO:
The guided missile cruiser ship USS Shiloh (CG-67) is seen docked for supply replenishment at the Alava pier of Subic Bay Freeport zone Friday afternoon (May 29). The US ship is equipped with guided missiles and rapid-fire cannons and also carries two multi-purpose helicopters for anti-submarine warfare. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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Cancelled port calls won’t affect US-Phl defense ties

Armed Forces chief Gen. Gregorio Catapang Jr. assured the nation yesterday the cancelled port calls of US warships to Subic Bay would not affect the defense ties between the Philippines and the US.

Speaking to reporters in Camp Aguinaldo, Catapang said no joint activities would be discontinued.

“Even if there’s a problem or something like that, we will continue with our military exercises with our US counterparts,” he said.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said yesterday the US has cancelled the visit of three warships to Subic Bay this month for operational reasons.

Speaking to reporters, DFA spokesman Charles Jose said the cancellation is not related to the murder case against US Marine Private First Class Joseph Scott Pemberton.

“We don’t see the ongoing case to be a reason,” he said. “We were just informed about the cancellation.”

The three are part of nine US warships scheduled to dock in the former US naval this month and to remain until December.

Jose said the reconsideration of port visits is normal occurrence as US warships are deployed in many areas of the Pacific and subject to changing operational requirements.

“The DFA was informed through normal diplomatic channels of the cancellation of the visits to Subic of three US Navy ships for operational reasons,” he said.

Jose said the ships are not part of a joint military training in the Philippines.

“Usually the purpose of port calls is for repairs, for operational reasons,” he said. “We can say they are not related to joint exercises. The exercises are not related to port calls.” (Alexis Romero, Pia Lee-Brago, The Philippine Star)

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2014/11/04/1387867/cancelled-port-calls-wont-affect-us-phl-defense-ties

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Subic will not be part of EDCA – defense official

A defense official on Friday denied that Subic Bay, a former United States Naval base, is being eyed as one of the locations American troops can access under the newly signed Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).

“No. This is for the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines),” said Defense Undersectary Pio Lorenzo Batino, a member of the Philippine negotiating panel on EDCA.

Batino said defense and military officials are currently coordinating with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) so that portions of Subic, a civilian property, can be turned over to the AFP for its use.

“The AFP is requesting for limited portions of Subic so that it can strategically locate Philippine Air Force equipment, Philippine Navy equipment, kailangan natin yan para sa ating concerns sa area na yun,” he said at a press conference in Camp Aquinaldo.

Batino said they are eyeing to open three to five Philippine military camps for the use of American forces under EDCA, but was mum when asked if Clark airfield in Pampanga, also a former US military base, is one of them.

“Right now, the discussions would be ranging from three to five AFP bases,” he said. “That's not the final but that is the starting discussion point.”

EDCA was signed Monday, hours before US President Barack Obama arrived in the Philippines for his first state visit.

The agreement grants US troops access to designated Philippine military facilities, the right to construct facilities, and pre-position equipment, aircraft and vessels.

But the pact rules out permanent basing, as the Philippine Constitution bans foreign military bases in the country unless covered by a treaty. EDCA as an executive agreement has an initial term of 10 years. (Amita O. Legaspi/KBK, GMA News)

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/359308/news/nation/subic-will-not-be-part-of-edca-defense-official

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Philippines to offer renewed US military use of Subic

Manila (AFP) - The Philippines said Friday it plans to give the United States access to five military bases under a deal that could see US forces return to their giant former facility at Subic Bay.

An access deal signed last week would allow the US to rotate more aircraft, ships, equipment and troops over the next 10 years at unspecified bases in the territory of the Asian ally strategically facing the South China Sea.

The two countries are now in follow-up talks to select the Filipino bases, said defence undersecretary Pio Batino, the chief Filipino negotiator.

"Right now, the discussions would be ranging from three to five (Filipino military) bases," he told reporters.
"That's not the final, but that is the starting discussion point."

The Philippines is offering Fort Magsaysay, a sprawling army base about 100 kilometres (62 miles) north of Manila that regularly hosts annual large-scale US-Filipino military exercises, Batino said.

He added "limited portions of Subic" would also be offered, but declined to identify the three other bases under consideration.

The Philippines intends to conclude the discussions not later than September 30, Batino added.

The deal for increased US access is part of Philippine efforts to boost its weak military capabilities at a time of deep tensions with China over competing claims to parts of the South China Sea.

China claims most of the sea, even waters close to the Philippines and other countries in the region.

Subic, facing the South China Sea, was the former repair yard of the Japan-based US Pacific fleet.

American forces vacated it in 1992, along with nearby Clark Air Base, after the Philippine Senate refused to extend a bases treaty, ending nearly a century of major US military presence.

It is now a civilian free port, but maintains a US-era military runway and a deep harbour that is still used by American warships stopping over for military exercises or for regular provisioning.

Bound by a mutual defence pact, the US and the Philippines engage in regular war games that see thousands of US troops and state-of-the-art American military hardware brought to the Philippines.

The Philippines signed the bases access deal last week, hours ahead of a state visit to Manila by American President Barack Obama.

The deal also allows the US to build structures inside the bases for use by its forces, as well as to store supplies and equipment. (AFP News)

https://ph.news.yahoo.com/philippines-offer-renewed-us-military-subic-131859141.html

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Subic supports PH-US security agreement

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has expressed its support to the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) that would allow the increased presence of American troops in the country.

In a press briefing held here on Monday, SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia told reporters that the Subic agency managing the former US military base is in favor of the new agreement as this would strengthen national security.

Garcia, however, stressed that although there are no details coming from Malacanang as yet, “clearly, no US bases will be put up in Subic.”

The pact merely allows increased presence of US military troops, ships and planes on rotation basis, Garcia added.

The briefing was held while US Pres. Barrack Obama and Pres. Benigno Aquino III met in Malacanang on Monday. The EDCA was signed by Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and US Ambassador Philip Goldberg.

Obama arrived in Manila on Monday as part of his Asian tour that sought for the rebalancing of power in the region.

Garcia also noted that even without the EDCA, the Subic Bay Freeport already plays an important role in national security because it is now the home port of frigates BRP Alcaraz (PF-16) and BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (PF-15), the newest additions to the Philippine Navy fleet.

One squadron of combat planes of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) is also expected to be stationed at the former Federal Express (FedEx) terminal inside the Subic Bay International Airport, Garcia said.

The SBMA official also contended that the new security agreement became necessary because of the series of incidents in the West Philippine Sea, especially in the area of the Scarborough Shoal, where Filipino fishermen were barred by Chinese Coast Guard vessels.

Garcia said, however, that he remains optimistic that the agreement will be a temporary arrangement that will serve the purpose of benefiting most Filipinos.

Meanwhile, some protesters staged an anti-US rally in front of the main gate of the Subic Bay Freeport to denounce the visit of Pres. Obama.

Garcia said the Subic authority let them finish the rally at their own time.

“We allowed them to express their sentiments, as that is their right. We did not disperse them, but we did not allow them to come inside the Freeport, as this is a rally-free area,” Garcia added. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

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Amb. Goldberg: EDCA will not reopen US bases in PH

Philippine Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, left,
shakes hands with U.S. Ambassador Philip Goldberg
after signing the Enhanced Defense Cooperation
Agreement at Camp Aguinaldo, Philippine military
headquarters in suburban Quezon city, north
of Manila, Philippines on Monday,  April 28, 2014.
AP/Aaron Favila

After eight months of negotiations, both countries inked the 10-year Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA). Goldberg and Philippine Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin signed the deal hours before US President Barack Obama arrives in the Philippines for a two-day state visit.

US Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg clarified, the EDCA will not reopen United States military bases in the Philippines.

“It will not reopen US bases. It is an agreement to enhance our defense relationships,” Goldberg said.

EDCA is set to enhance both countries defense cooperation and increase the presence of US soldiers in the country. It is supposed to increase training opportunities for Filipino and US forces, plus greater ability to respond to humanitarian operations.

“The agreement we signed today will be an important part of the existing MDT (Mutual Defense Treaty) and VFA (Visiting Forces Agreement) frameworks. But it will also serve to update our security alliance to meet the increasingly complex challenges of the 21st century, whether it is terrorism, transnational crimes, or disasters like typhoon Haiyan,” he said.

Goldberg noted, the largest bilateral military exercise, Balikatan, will kick off next week.

Meanwhile, Gazmin said the Philippines will have better access to US military equipment, supplies and personnel because of the agreement.

"It enables us to do more by making necessary equipment and infrastructure available.Alliances evolve, partnerships develop, engagements mature, but all through out, it is the shared trust to move forward together that keeps what is in place such as the MDT and VFA. This is the essence of a maturing relationship," he said.

He added, "The document we signed only manifests the defense relationship between the Philippines and the United States but equally serves as a framework for furthering our alliance as encapsulated in the Enhanced Defense Cooperation. Underpinned by the common goal being able to meet the security challenges that both the Philippines and the United States share in common, our alliance has continued to evolve as both our countries continuously search for mechanisms that would enhance our individual and collective abilities to face such security challenges." (ANC/Yahoo News)

read more --> https://anc.yahoo.com/news/goldberg--edca-will-not-reopen-us-bases-in-ph-030909508.html

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US eyes return to Subic

MANILA - The United States is eyeing its former military base in Subic Bay, Philippines as one of the military facilities that will be covered by its Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement with the Philippines (EDCA).

US National Security Council Senior Director for Asian affairs Evan Medeiros was asked about this in a late briefing in Malaysia, where US President Barack Obama is on the 3rd leg of his 2014 Spring Asia Tour. “There are a variety of facilities on the table. Subic Bay could be one of them."

Medeiros stressed that it’s not a basing agreement.

“This is not a sort of return to bases, so to speak. But rather what it does is it’s a framework that will allow us to train and to exercise with the armed forces of the Philippines on a range of missions, including humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, maritime security; countering transnational crime, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, for example.”

The EDCA will be signed by US Ambassador Philip Goldberg and Philippine Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin hours before Obama arrives in Manila from Kuala Lumpur.

US Deputy National Security Advisor Ben Rhodes confirmed this in a briefing in Malaysia late Sunday night.

“We will be completing and signing with the Philippines a very important agreement that will allow the United States access to basing in the Philippines in a way that will build out our defense and security cooperation," Rhodes said.

Medeiros called the agreement the most significant. The Philippines-US bases treaty expired in the 90s after a 50-year lifespan.“This is the most significant defense agreement that we have concluded with the Philippines in decades. What the agreement is, is that it’s a framework that facilitates enhanced security cooperation between the U.S. and the Philippines that will allow us enhanced rotational presence at facilities in the Philippines.”

However, Medeiros said there are still details that will be threshed out. "The agreement itself has been under negotiation for about eight months. We’ve had eight rounds of negotiation, but it’s part of a longer conversation that the U.S. military has been having with its Philippine counterparts over the last few years as they have started to shift from an internal security-focused mission to an external security-focused mission.”

Medeiros added, “the agreement itself is just a framework. It creates a legal and policy infrastructure. It’s sort of like the skeletal and the muscular infrastructure that over time, as we talk with the Philippines about what their needs are and what missions they want to work with us on, we will then work through what the specific nature of the training and the exercising will be.”

Rhodes said EDCA is “a flexible agreement that will allow us to position assets as necessary to provide that training and to do that type of joint effort with the Philippines.”

Medeiros confirmed the agreement will be valid for 10 years. “It’s 10-year with a provision for renewing.”

Rhodes also explained that the facilities covered by the agreement are fundamentally Filipino facilities. “So clearly they will be present and will have access to their bases.”

Rhodes said the EDCA is similar to the increased rotational presence agreement that has allowed the US to have some troops in Darwin, Australia.

DISASTER RESPONSE, CHINA

Rhodes attributes part of the impetus for the agreement to disaster response. Last year, central Philippines was battered by super typhoon Yolanda. "Because it was the United States that was able with our capabilities to reach affected areas much more effectively than any other country could. And this type of agreement that could allow, for instance, the U.S. air and naval assets to rotate through Filipino facilities would contribute to the ability to have a very nimble and effective response to a disaster like a typhoon, which tragically is not a non-common occurrence in this region generally that you have those types of natural disasters. It also will help us develop the Filipino capacity to respond in those types of disasters.”

Medeiros also stressed the EDCA has nothing to do with China, whose maritime dispute with the Philippines has exacerbated tensions in the South China Sea.

“They’re interested in stepping up our military-to-military engagement. There have been a variety of instances, as Ben pointed out, like Typhoon Yolanda, where it became clear that an enhanced rotational presence, a legal and policy framework for the U.S. military to work with their Philippine counterparts was something that was needed by the Philippine government.”

Rhodes added, “this isn’t an agreement designed at resolving maritime disputes with any particular maritime dispute as a focal point of why we did this. We have made very clear that we believe that there should be a cooperative approach to addressing maritime disputes consistent with international law, that there should be an avoidance of an escalation of tensions. At the same time, we’ve made clear we have an interest, a national interest, in for instance the free flow of commerce and open sea lanes.”

Rhodes emphasized the US has also increased military-to-military exchanges with China, in part to have greater transparency and in part to avoid any unnecessary and inadvertent escalation.

“And so that’s an important part of how we approach these issues, that we have that type of dialogue and exchange with China. The fact of these negotiations has been public and known in the region, so it’s certainly something that the Chinese have been aware of," he said.

Medeiros added, “we want a constructive relationship with China. We have made a serious effort at improving our military-to-military ties....we want all the countries in the region to have a constructive relationship with China, and we welcome them working with the Chinese on shared security and economic challenges. “

Medeiros, however, reiterated the US position against “ the use of intimidation, coercion or aggression by any state -- any state -- to advance their maritime territorial claims. And to the extent that our work with our alliance partners and our security partners helps them become more capable and not being vulnerable to intimidation, coercion or aggression, we think that’s a good thing. And that’s one of the reasons why we seek to modernize our alliances and our security partnerships when we come here in the region.”

Medeiros pointed out that the Philippines has found an ally in support of its chosen strategy of arbitration in resolving its differences with china.

“As you know, Malaysia is a claimant. And very significantly in the joint statement, for the first time, they actually came out in support of the principle of international arbitration, which has been a subject of some diplomatic wrangling in recent months as the Philippines has sought to pursue an arbitration case regarding its disputes with China." (RG Cruz, ABS-CBN News)

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/04/27/14/us-eyes-return-subic

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US, Philippines Lay Groundwork for Subic Visits

WASHINGTON — Greater access to Philippine facilities for the US military will be part of the upcoming negotiations between Manila and Washington on establishing a framework agreement that would be “nested” under the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT), Philippine and US defense officials here said.

Both indicated there would be no changes to the MDT, no permanent US military bases, and, despite media speculation, no basing of US Air Force F-22 fighters or B-2 bombers.

The Philippines is shifting from internal security requirements related to the threat from terrorism to maritime security concerns in the South China Sea, and “our treaty agreement needs [to be] updated,” a US defense source said.

What the “access agreement” will look like has yet to be established. But one thing is certain — it will be rotational, the US defense source said. Rotational is the new framework and the concept is still developmental with each treaty ally in the region, the source said.

The reality is money. Sequestration has forced the Pentagon to look at ways of cutting costs while still getting the job done. This means words like modularity, rotational, and prepositioning are becoming trendy in the Pentagon.

Philippine defense officials said access to Subic Bay and Subic International Airport would first be used to preposition humanitarian assistance and disaster relief equipment and supplies. US forces using these facilities will rotate through the same way US forces rotate in Australia and Singapore.

“The number one enemy in the region is Mother Nature,” not war, the US defense source said.

This does not mean the US will not assist in Manila’s military modernization plans. For the US military, this will begin with increased joint training and exercises, including efforts to improve the way the Philippine military develops requirements for arms procurements.

Manila has a long list of defense equipment it wants but cannot seem to make up its mind about what it really needs, said defense sources in Washington. These include 12 lead-in fighters, maritime patrol aircraft, multi-role maritime helicopters, helicopter dock ships and frigates. The Korean FA-50 Golden Eagle was mentioned several times by sources last week as a popular contender for the lead-in fighter requirement.

Philippine defense officials said they need a “minimum credible defense” that includes better C4ISR. “We want to know what is happening in our backyard and have the ability to respond to it. The US presence is welcome, but the responsibility is our own.”

The Philippines has little or no C4ISR infrastructure. The US has begun assisting the Philippines in the area of maritime surveillance with enhancements to its National Coast Watch Center by upgrading facilities that were originally designed to track transnational criminals, such as pirates and terrorists.

Last week, the US delivered the second of two former US Coast Guard high-endurance cutters to the Philippine Navy. Despite media reports, discussions on a third cutter are not underway, Philippine and US defense sources said. One source indicated the cutters were provided to the Philippines as excess defense articles and were not furbished. Several countries in the region are talking with Manila about refurbishing both vessels.

Instead of taking on the costs of transferring the third vessel, they are taking the money saved and refurbishing the first two. A third is a possibility in the future, a US defense source said.

The second cutter arrived Aug. 6 at Alava Wharf, near Subic Bay, during a public ceremony led by Philippine President Benigno Aquino. He said the new ships would help the country patrol its exclusive economic zone (EEZ), which extends 200 nautical miles from shore.

Since 2011, Manila has expressed frustration with China over maritime incursions and counterclaims by Beijing over the Scarborough Shoal, which is within the Philippines’ EEZ. The issue culminated in April 2012 when eight Chinese fishing boats were challenged by the Philippine Navy. In July, Chinese vessels erected a barrier to the shoal’s entrance and stationed vessels from the China Marine Surveillance and Fisheries Law Enforcement Command nearby.

The encounter has shaken the Philippines and created unexpected enthusiasm for a return of the US military, which was expelled from Subic Bay and Clark Air Base in 1991.

The problem is that the US has yet to gather a consensus on whether China is an enemy, Nugent said. This is evident by the Pentagon’s insistence that the Air-Sea Battle concept is not aimed directly at China.

The Pentagon’s Air-Sea Battle Office told Defense News the concept is a response to anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD) strategies, which is a response to the successful US campaign during the 1991 Gulf War.

“We have been a power projection force. A2/AD exists because we are a power projection force. Air-Sea Battle is a response to the creation of A2/AD. There’s the rub,” an official with the Air-Sea Battle office said.

What the Philippines has done is jump on the “China threat bandwagon” without considering the possibility the US might not pull the wagon, said a former Pentagon official who now works as a consultant on US defense strategy in Asia.

Today, the US is far more dependent on China than the Philippines. US State Department declarations of a peaceful resolution of South China disputes and taking itself out of the Scarborough fight are clear indications of sea change since the end of the Cold War. (WENDELL MINNICK, Defense News.Com)

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