US troops now enjoy access to PH bases
AFP FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—With the dotted lines signed and the hands shook, the access of American troops to Philippine bases for the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement is on full swing.
When Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and United States Ambassador Philip Goldberg signed the 10-page document, it ushered in the dawn of a strengthened cooperation between the Philippines and the US.
According to the document posted on Malacañang’s official website, American forces and contractors are allowed to conduct “security cooperation exercises, joint and combined training activities, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief activities,” together with Philippine forces inside the bases.
Military equipment, vehicles, and aircraft from the US can also be used inside the bases during training exercises.
US troops can also use Philippine bases to store their equipment vehicles and construct new buildings if both parties decide on the matter.
Also, to dispel fears of radiation damage, nuclear weapons would not be used during the 10-year stay.
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