The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has initiated an investigation into the attempted shipment of 39 million gallons of fuel from a US military base in Hawaii to a commercial storage facility in the Subic Bay Freeport in Zambales. AFP Chief of Staff, Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., stated in a recent interview that they are prepared to present the facts they have uncovered regarding this importation of gasoline into the country.
The fuel in question is part of a larger shipment of 104 million gallons of military fuel from the US Navy-run Red Hill Underground Storage Facility in Honolulu. It was intended to be transported by the commissioned tanker, Yosemite Trader, to the Philippine Coastal Storage and Pipeline Corp. in Subic. However, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), which manages the freeport, confirmed that the fuel transfer did not proceed as planned due to the Yosemite Trader’s failure to obtain clearance from the Philippine government.
Gen. Brawner emphasized that the AFP was not involved in the fuel shipment, but acknowledged the existence of documents supporting its importation into the country. While he did not disclose the specific government agencies involved, he assured that the AFP is ready to explain its side if invited to an investigation.
According to Gen. Brawner, the US typically seeks permission from the government to bring in military logistical requirements. He stated, “The direct items, for instance, that come into the country are given notice to the armed forces.” The US Embassy in Manila also confirmed the fuel transfer, stating that it had followed proper channels and logistics contracts with Philippine counterparts.
Senator Maria Josefa Imelda “Imee” Marcos has called on the AFP and the Department of National Defense (DND) to provide an explanation for the fuel shipment. Marcos expressed concerns about the silence from both Washington and Manila, suggesting that the pre-positioning of military supplies in the country may be linked to predictions of a potential conflict between China and the US over Taiwan. She questioned the storage of millions of gallons of oil in Subic, which is not an Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) site.
To clarify, several Philippine military bases have been designated as EDCA sites, allowing the US military to store munitions and other equipment and station troops on a rotation basis. However, Subic is not one of these designated sites. Marcos emphasized the need for transparency and a clear explanation from the government, highlighting that this issue goes beyond foreign policy and touches on Philippine sovereignty and environmental safety.
In the midst of this controversy, SBMA Chairman Jonathan Tan announced his resignation after only eight months in office. Eduardo Aliño was sworn in as his successor on the same day. Tan described his time at the freeport as “short but valuable.”
As the investigation into the attempted fuel shipment unfolds, it is crucial for all involved parties to provide transparency and accountability. The AFP’s commitment to uncovering the facts and explaining their side is commendable. It is essential for the government to address any concerns regarding Philippine sovereignty and environmental safety, ensuring that the Filipino people are not left in the dark.
Source: The Manila Times
