Opposition mounts as US increases military aid, sends nuclear submarine to Subic

Opposition mounts as US increases military aid, sends nuclear submarine to Subic

The Aquino government will again pin its hopes of armed forces modernization on US hand-me-downs, but the reality is that all these do not really help in strengthening Philippine sovereignty nor in asserting our claims over disputed territories.” – Renato Reyes, Bayan
By INA ALLECO R. SILVERIO

Bulatlat.com
MANILA — Patriotic people’s organizations led by the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) have declared that there is no room for doubt that unless unequivocal protests are launched against it, the United States is set to reestablish its military bases in the Philippines. In the last week, protests erupted over the presence of a United States nuclear-powered attack submarine in the former Subic Nava Base in Zambales.

The Bagong Alyansang Makabayan said the entry of the USS North Carolina (SSN 777), a Virginia class attack submarine considered one of the “stealthiest, most technologically advanced” in the world, is a sign that the US is intent on reestablishing its military base in the Philippines.

Bayan secretary-general Renato Reyes said that if developments are any gauge, it appears as if US military bases are back in the country.

“ Virtual basing and hosting of US warships are being justified by the Visiting Forces Agreement and the Mutual Logistics Support Agreement. Philippine ports like Subic are again providing logistics support for US ships. We might see more of these port calls now that the US is rebalancing towards Asia,” said Reyes said..... MORE

Source:  Bulatlat.com

URL: http://bulatlat.com/main/2012/05/21/opposition-mounts-as-us-increases-military-aid-sends-nuclear-submarine-to-subic/