Fees for foreign armed forces visiting Subic Bay proposed to be waived

From GMA News Online (Jul 6, 2023): Fees for foreign armed forces visiting Subic Bay proposed to be waived (Joviland Rita/ VAL, GMA Integrated News)

Armed Forces of the Philippines - Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) chief Lieutenant General Fernyl Buca has proposed the waiving of fees for invited allied forces visiting Subic Bay.
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Buca has already discussed the proposal with Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairman and administrator Jonathan Tan during his courtesy visit at the SBMA headquarters in Zambales.

“The NOLCOM Commander proposed for the possibility of waiving fees for invited allied forces, as a way of demonstrating their commitment to strengthen regional partnerships and promote collaboration,” the NOLCOM said in a statement on Wednesday.

“Both parties recognized the importance of establishing a structure that considers mutual benefits derived from international naval engagements and supports SBMA's infrastructure development,” added NOLCOM.

NOLCOM public information office chief Major Anthony Pueblas said that before the COVID-19 pandemic, it was already a protocol that the entrance of Philippine and foreign vessels into the SBMA area was free.

But, since the pandemic, the implementation of free entrance for Philippine and foreign vessels has stopped. Perhaps, Pueblas said, the protocol has yet to be relayed to the new SBMA leaders.

Pueblas said the SBMA management "recognized" the proposal and is "positive" about the idea.

Meanwhile, Buca and Tan also discussed the positive impact of Philippine Navy’s Civil-Military Operations activities in Zambales and SBMA emphasizing collaborative efforts to promote goodwill, humanitarian assistance, and community engagements.

“The convergence of the two organizations demonstrates the commitment of the AFP and SBMA to strengthen their partnership in promoting regional security, and fostering lasting development,” the NOLCOM said.

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/874983/fees-for-foreign-armed-forces-visiting-subic-bay-proposed-to-be-waived/story/