Americans to build Lumbia facility later this year

From the Sun Star-Cagayan de Oro (Feb 1): Americans to build Lumbia facility later this year

DEFENSE Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said on Monday an American military facility will be built within the year inside the former Lumbia domestic airport as part of the country’s Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (Edca) with the United States of America (USA).

Gazmin, who was the guest of honor during Monday’s 46th founding anniversary of Philippine Army’s 4th Infantry Division (4ID), said the construction of the facility will commence as soon as ‘documents’ are complete.

But Gazmin said the presence of a United States military facility will mean no harm and instead will enhance the delivery of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief in this part of the country.

"Magkakaroon sila (US) ng facility na ico-construct para sa kanilang mga gamit, so that kung magkakaroon tayo ng disaster for example hindi na matagal ang pag-release ng mga gamit,” Gazmin said.

Under the agreement, the Philippines will authorize the US Government, through bilateral security mechanisms, 'to preposition and store defense equipment, supplies, and materiel, including but not limited to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief equipment on the agreed locations.’

The access and disposition of the pre-positioned materiel, however, will be under the full control of the US military.

The agreement also states that the Philippines will retain ownership of the ‘agreed locations’ which in this case is the Lumbia airfield.

Major General Oscar Lactao, 4ID commanding general, had earlier said the proposed US military facilities bases would help bring stability in the West Philippine Sea, improve the country’s security, usher modernization of the Philippine military, and contribute to the economy.

"This would mean more interaction between this country's military force and the US," Lactao added.

Gazmin also thanked the city government of Cagayan de Oro for welcoming the use of Lumbia for Edca.

City Mayor Oscar Moreno had said he sees no problem with the use by US forces of the Lumbia Airport, now the home of the Philippine Air Force’s 15th Strike Wing.

Moreno cited the supposed long-term benefits saying having American troops may contribute to the local economy, aside from the advantages cited by the national government.

But the City Council has expressed support on a bill filed by 2nd District Representative Rufus Rodriguez seeking to transfer ownership of the old Lumbia airport from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines to the City Government.

The councilors said Lumbia airport should be taken over by the City Government to use as it sees fit.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cagayan-de-oro/local-news/2016/02/01/americans-build-lumbia-facility-later-year-455019