CAGAYAN DE ORO — City officials have called in U.S. and Philippine military leaders to explain the recent arrival of American servicemen and joint training activities at Lumbia Air Base.
The Sangguniang Panlungsod said the briefing will clarify why U.S. troops are in the city and outline the scope of their humanitarian assistance and disaster relief training under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), a bilateral pact that allows rotational U.S. military presence and joint activities with the Philippines.
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Officials will also discuss how the exercises involve Philippine security forces and local government units.
“We are concerned about the safety of our people. What if a crime is committed by U.S. servicemen during their stay? What are the legal ramifications?” Council Ethics and Blue Ribbon Committee Chair Edgar Cabanlas said.
He expects answers at the council’s Monday session.
Col. Anselmo Ty confirmed that about 100 U.S. servicemen joined humanitarian and disaster relief training last week. The joint exercises at Lumbia Air Base will run through March 28.
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The USNS Seay, a 60,020‑ton U.S. support ship, also docked at Macabalan Port carrying equipment for the exercises.
The 1998 Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) remains the legal framework governing U.S. military personnel visiting the Philippines. Under the VFA, both countries generally waive claims against each other for property damage or injury involving visiting troops.
Citing the 2005 Daniel Smith case—where U.S. authorities held a convicted Marine despite local court orders—Cabanlas is pushing for local protocols to ensure Philippine jurisdiction over any future crimes committed by visiting troops.
