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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider US fuel depot plans in Mindanao will remain under PH control, says AFP

US fuel depot plans in Mindanao will remain under PH control, says AFP

Published Apr 10, 2026 02:38 pm
Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad (Photo: Armed Forces of the Philippines)
Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad (Photo: Armed Forces of the Philippines)
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) clarified on Friday, April 10, that the proposed establishment of fuel storage facilities in Mindanao will remain under Philippine ownership and control.
AFP spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea (WPS), Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad said the projects are covered by existing defense agreements such as the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA)
“These will still be Philippine facilities, Philippine-controlled facilities. They are designed to support our response capability for HADR [humanitarian assistance and disaster response], maritime security, and support and sustain our forces deployed, not only the West Philippine Sea, but even the southern border. We welcome this development,” Trinidad said.
The US Defense Logistics Agency is reportedly planning a fuel depot in the southern part of the country, likely in the Davao region, with operations targeted between 2028 and 2031.
The facility is reportedly designed to support US military operations across the Western Pacific and provide an additional refueling point away from Subic Bay and Manila.
Trinidad said the purpose of the facilities aligns with the AFP’s operational needs.
The Philippines and the United States are bound by the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT), which has been reinforced in recent years through expanded access arrangements under the EDCA.
Trinidad said the final details of the Mindanao fuel project are still being worked out but noted that the presence of such facilities strengthens deterrence in the region.
“The presence of these facilities serves as a deterrence. The greater risk is to have no deterrence at all,” he said.
He added that concerns about increased exposure to aggression by US’ competitors are outweighed by capability gains.
“These facilities will help allow the AFP to perform and to sustain operations. Hence, they serve as a very strong deterrent posture,” he explained.

Related Tags

AFP fuel depot Mindanao United States EDCA
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