The Philippines has agreed to allow the United States to use five military bases where US troops and supplies can be stationed under a security deal agreed amid rising tensions with China’s excessive claims in the South China Sea. At the 6th US-Philippines Bilateral Strategic Dialogue in Washington yesterday, US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Amy Searight said the deal was reached under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA). The military facilities identified are the Antonio Bautista air base in the western island of Palawan near the South China Sea, Basa air base in Pampanga, Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija, Lumbia airport in Cagayan de Oro and the Mactan-Benito Ebuen air base in Mactan.

Katigbak, J., Laude, J., & Brago, P. (2016, March 20). US, Phl agree on 5 base locations under EDCA. Philippine Star, pp. 1, 10.