US allowed in 5 PH bases

The Philippines and United States have finally agreed on a deal allowing for a rotating US military presence at five Philippine bases under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) inked in 2014 amid rising tensions with China in the South China Sea. In a joint statement issued by the US Department of State said the EDCA agreed locations are: Antonio Bautista Air Base in Palawan, Basa Air Base in Pampanga, Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija, Lumbia Air Base in Cagayan de Oro City, and Mactan-Benito Ebuen Air Base in Cebu. The locations were identified during the 6th US-Philippine Bilateral Strategic Dialogue held March 17-18 in Washington, D.C. US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Amy Searight said the deal was reached under the security agreement that grants Washington increased military presence in the Philippines rotation of ships and aircraft for humanitarian and maritime security operations. Searight told the meeting Manila was [...]