The National Democratic Front–North Central Mindanao Region (NDF-NCMR) strongly opposes the Department of National Defense’s (DND) plan to build a 200-hectare naval base inside Phividec in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental. According to the NDF-NCMR, the US wants to use the waters in the area as a docking site for its large warships.

“The planned naval base could easily become another overt or secret EDCA site, hosting US or other imperialist troops and military equipment,” the group said. The NDF-NCMR added that this planned naval base will serve as an additional facility to other camps and installations already being used by the US in Northern Mindanao.

The group cited Lumbia Airport in Cagayan de Oro, which was declared a US EDCA site or military base in 2014. Although not officially declared, the US uses Camp Evangelista, the 4th ID headquarters based in the same city, as a base whenever it conducts activities in the region. The AFP’s Camp Kibaritan in Kalilangan, Bukidnon, has also become a weapons storage facility and training center for foreign troops.

“We see here the worsening military intervention of the US and other imperialist powers,” the NDF-NCMR said. “Their air force, infantry, and now navy could soon base themselves within and around Cagayan de Oro.”

Meanwhile, the people of Cagayan de Oro, particularly the Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry, expressed deep concern over the DND and Phividec’s plan.

“The people of Cagayan de Oro and Misamis Oriental have every reason to be alarmed about the military base plan,” the NDF-NCMR said. “This poses a severe threat to civilian lives in the event of armed conflict between the US and China.”