AFP OK with planned US refueling depot in MindanaoMANILA, Philippines — The Armed Forces of the Philippines welcomed the United States military’s reported plan to establish a new refueling depot in Mindanao by 2028. “Any plans for storage of fuel facilities in the country are covered by EDCA – the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement – and the VFA (Visiting Forces Agreement). This will still be Philippine facilities, Philippine controlled facilities,” he explained. So, we welcome these facilities,” he said. “From the perspective of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, maritime security is both a national duty and a shared responsibility,” he said at a Maritime Security Symposium in Camp Aguinaldo.

Source: Philippine Star April 12, 2026 04:22 UTC