Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar has asked the Philippine Commission on the Visiting Forces Agreement (PCVFA) to address various issues and concerns in a bid to ensure a better and stronger RP-US partnership as the national government is in the process of revisiting policies related to the American troops’ presence in the country.
Salazar on Tuesday said she personally brought on Friday to the attention of Undersecretary Edilberto Adan, PCVFA Executive Director, five issues which she believes should be properly reviewed and attended to.
These issues and concerns include the need for a briefing and coordination with the host Local Government Unit (LGU) by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Joint special Operations Task Force-Philippines (JSOTF-P) on long term plans and engagements in this city, according to Salazar.
“What is the long-term plan of the Philippine Government on U.S. military presence in Zamboanga City?,” Salazar asked.
She also cited the need to designate a liaison officer with the local government who will be tasked to handle local issues and concerns with the JSOTF-P.
She also asked that proper coordination be made with the LGU in the renewal of agreements between the U.S. and Philippine government specifically on the use of facilities, plate numbers of vehicles, accident liability and landing fees.
She likewise reiterated her request for assistance on the rehabilitation or asphalt overlay of the airport runway which is also being utilized by American planes.
“These (American) aircrafts fly and land in our airport and no fees are paid to CAAP because of the VFA. Our airport is built only for commercial planes but not for heavy duty cargo (planes) as what has been delivered through the years. Damage to the airport has been caused,” she stressed.
Assistance is also being sought in calibrating airport security and closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera system which was initiated by the U.S. government in past years considering that American troops land in the airport and at times use commercial airplanes and are privileged in terms of security provisions.
Meanwhile, Salazar has thanked Adan for the efforts in overseeing the implementation of the VFA and in developing policies and legislative recommendations on the matter.
Salazar stressed that these efforts are essential toward the development of the citizens in building stronger ties between the Philippines and the U.S.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=556926
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