Groups slam US plan to build military oil depot in Mindanao

A subsequent move to intensify US military forces in the country.

CAGAYAN DE ORO — Progressive groups condemned the reported plan of the US government to put up a military oil depot in Mindanao, a storage facility that can be used to support US military operations and would increase American troop presence in Philippine territory.

Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) Southern Mindanao rejected the project, calling it a subsequent move to intensify US military forces in the country. “[I]t heightens the risk of the Philippines being drawn into geopolitical conflicts among global powers.”

According to a report by US Naval Institute News, the US’ Defense Logistics Agency requested contractor services last month for the Defense Fuel Support Point (DFSP) project to be constructed within the Davao Gulf, which can store up to 41 million gallons of US-owned fuel products and lubricants.

It is reportedly expected to operate between April 2028 and October 2031 and will serve as an alternative point for US naval vessels away from the West Philippine Sea to avoid potential conflict with China.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) welcomed the project, with the Philippine Navy saying that it will fall under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) and the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) between the US and Philippine governments. It said it will remain a Philippine-controlled facility.

But despite the assurance, Bayan Southern Mindanao perceived the proposed establishment of DFSP within the Philippine territory as a grave violation of the country’s sovereignty.

Last month, progressive groups were alarmed when US soldiers in civilian clothes arrived at the Lumbia Air Base in Cagayan de Oro, one of the EDCA sites and the only one located in Mindanao, amid war between Iran, and Israel and the US.

Read: Groups alarmed over US military presence in Cagayan de Oro

Arnold Padilla, spokesperson of the International League of Peoples’ Struggles (ILPS) Philippines, criticized the actions of the Ferdinand Marcos Jr. administration, saying the presence of US military forces, bases, and facilities does not guarantee the country’s national security.

“This is deeply alarming because, as what the Iran crisis has shown, the presence of US military bases and facilities invites war and destruction to the host nations,” he said in a statement sent to Bulatlat.

He pointed out that the country does not need a fuel storage facility for military purposes. The oil depot that the country needs now, he said, is the one that will ensure the fuel supply for domestic needs amid the rising cost of petroleum products.

Aside from undermining national security, women’s alliance Gabriela Southern Mindanao said that establishing a US oil depot also has an impact on women, citing previous cases where the presence of foreign troops exacerbated risks of exploitation and abuse.

Read: 10 years of VFA worsened abuse of Filipino women, children by US troops — Gabriela

It also considered the project a direct threat to the environment and coastal communities.

“Oil spills and contamination could devastate marine biodiversity, destroy fisheries, and undermine food security for thousands of families dependent on coastal resources,” the women’s group said.

Both Mindanao-based organizations called on the local governments of Davao City, Davao del Sur, and other neighboring provinces to turn down the plan and uphold Philippine sovereignty. (AMU, JDS)

The post Groups slam US plan to build military oil depot in Mindanao appeared first on Bulatlat.