loading…
A tugboat tows the USS Peleliu (LHA-5) amphibious assault ship as it leaves Subic Bay Freeport, a former US Navy base, in Olongapo city, north of Manila, October 22, 2014. Photo/REUTERS/Lorgina Minguito
MANILA – Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the United States (US) would build four new military bases “spread” around the Philippines.
He noted at least one facility would be located near the disputed island chain that China and several other countries claim.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, the Philippine leader offered additional details about the new installation, which were first disclosed last month as part of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) with Washington.
However, he said he could not reveal the exact location until an official announcement was made with the US.
“There are four additional locations scattered around the Philippines, some in the north, some around Palawan, some more in the south,” he said.
He added that the base would help defend the country’s largest island, Luzon.
Palawan is one of the westernmost territories of the Philippines, and lies about 200 miles (320 kilometers) east of the disputed Spratly archipelago in the South China Sea, which are also known by several other local names.
Six countries have claimed parts of the islet chain, including China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and the Philippines.
