Republic of the Philippines
Office of Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Q. Pimentel, Jr.
Senate, Pasay City

Press Release

Date: August 29, 2007 Ref: Omeng / (02)
5526731
http://www.nenepimentel.org

ARROYO GOV'T URGED TO VERIFY ALLEGED CONSTRUCTION OF US MILITARY
FACILITIES IN MINDANAO

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino "Nene" Q. Pimentel, Jr. (PDP-Laban)
today asked Malacañang and the Armed Forces of the Philippines to
verify persistent reports that the United States is building military
facilities in Mindanao under the guise of "temporary structures."

Saying the setting up of foreign military installations are not
permitted even under the US-RP Visiting Forces Agreement, Pimentel
questioned the construction of $14.4 million (about P700 million)
worth of "temporary" US military structures in such locations as
Zamboanga City and Sulu, as confirmed by US embassy spokesman Lee
Mclenny.

"The government cannot allow the setting up and maintenance of any
foreign military base in any part of the country," the senator from
Mindanao said.

"To allow any foreign government to put up a military base here would
contravene the Constitution."

Pimentel said while the US embassy spokesman has denied that the US is
building any permanent military base in Mindanao, there is no need
even for costly "temporary" structures since American troops who come
to the country for Balikatan for military exercises are permitted to
stay here only for a few weeks.

He said the Palace and AFP should also look into reports that some
American officers and men are continuously occupying the temporary
facilities in Mindanao even when they are supposed to have returned to
their stations in Okinawa, Japan or Hawaii after the completion of the
Balikatan exercises.

Pimentel said such reports become even more disturbing in view of
allegations that American troops have been accompanying Filipino
soldiers in combat missions against Abu Sayyaf terrorists, if not
actually taking part in the fighting.

"Under the VFA, American troops are allowed entry into the country
strictly for training and exercise. But I would like to add they would
be more welcome if they do civic work, on the side, not actual
fighting against the insurgents," he said.

The US government further explained that the facilities being
constructed are for logistical, medical and administrative services.

Pimentel stressed that no foreign military bases or permanent
stationing of foreign troops can be allowed in the country in the
absence of a military bases agreement.

Commenting on the assurance of a US congressional mission that the
Washington will make good on its commitment to deliver $32 million
worth of military aid to the Philippines next year, Pimentel expressed
the hope that the US government is not pursuing a carrot-and-stick
approach on the issue in the light of the alleged construction of
American military facilities in Mindanao.

He noted that the assurance made by the five-man US congressional
delegation, led by Texas Rep. Silvestre Reyes that there will be no
cut in military assistance package runs counter to the reported
recommendation of the US state department to slash military aid to the
Philippines from $30 million last year to only $11 million in 2008.
The delegation visited the country last week.

Even Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte had admitted there will
be a reduction in the US military aid although it will be minimal,
Pimentel said.

The minority leader stressed that the Philippines cannot compromise
its national sovereignty by relaxing on the ban against foreign
military bases even at the expense of forfeiting substantial military
assistance from its leading ally.
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