Student groups in Davao and Cebu expressed opposition to US military facilities and presence in their respective areas. They denounced the proposed fuel depot in Davao and the US use of a civilian airport in Lapu-Lapu City as a military base under EDCA (Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement).

The League of Filipino Students (LFS)-Davao issued a statement after US Ambassador Lee Lipton visited Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte on October 22 at the Davao City Hall. Sen. Robin Padilla, Sen. Christopher Lawrence Go, Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte II, and officials of the city and the US embassy also attended the meeting. Officials described the visit as an opportunity to strengthen economic ties and cooperation between the two countries. The Dutertes also received Italian Ambassador Davide Giglioe on October 20 to reportedly discuss cooperation in agriculture and investment.

According to LFS-Davao, these visits serve to “expand imperialist influence and deepen foreign intervention in Davao and Mindanao.” The group criticized Duterte’s reception of Lipton, saying it contradicted the city government’s April 14 statement that it opposed foreign military facilities and fuel depots in the city. The group also called Duterte a “lapdog” and warned that the planned depot would be used to support supply for military operations.

Meanwhile, LFS-Cebu called for the removal of US military forces and equipment from Lapu-Lapu City and an end to the use of Mactan-Benito Ebuen Air Base as a center for logistics and the transfer of American forces to the central part of the country. They denounced the alleged use of Mactan-Cebu International Airport as a fuel depot and launch site for warplanes. They said placing the US military base in Lapu-Lapu City was ironic, especially since Lapu-Lapu was a warrior who fought against foreign colonizers in the country’s history.

“Our island is being used to prepare for war, and it could be targeted when a larger war breaks out,” according to the group’s statement.

The students also questioned the expansion of EDCA sites and the reported $144 million in new US military funding for the said expansion. The groups called on the public to defend the country’s sovereignty and oppose facilities that endanger communities.

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