The United States Embassy in the Philippines has confirmed the transfer of “clean fuel” from the US military facility in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii to a commercial storage facility at Subic Bay. This confirmation comes in response to concerns raised by Senator Maria Josefa “Imelda” Imee Marcos regarding the reported storage of 39 million gallons of fuel from the US Navy in Subic, Zambales.
According to US Embassy spokesman Kanishka Gangopadhyay, the transfer of clean fuel is being carried out by the Yosemite Trader, a commercial tanker, which is currently in the vicinity of Subic Bay. Gangopadhyay further explained that all arrangements for the transfer and storage of the fuel were made through proper channels, using established logistics contracts with Philippine commercial entities. He also emphasized that this is one of multiple shipments of safe, clean fuel from the Red Hill facility in Pearl Harbor to various locations in the Pacific.
Senator Marcos has sought an explanation from the Department of National Defense and the Armed Forces of the Philippines regarding the transfer of US Navy fuel from Pearl Harbor to Subic. She pointed out that data from international shipping trackers indicates that the oil cargo was loaded onto the US-registered tanker, Yosemite Trader, on December 20, 2023, and entered Philippine territory on January 9, 2024.
Marcos raised concerns about the storage of millions of gallons of oil in Subic, which is not an Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) site. She questioned where in Philippine territory the fuel would be stored and emphasized that this issue goes beyond foreign policy, touching on Philippine sovereignty and environmental safety.
The senator’s statement also highlighted the “inexplicable silence” of both the Philippine and US governments regarding the fuel shipment. This silence has raised suspicions about the potential pre-positioning of military supplies in the country, especially in light of predictions of a future conflict between China and the US over Taiwan.
While the confirmation from the US Embassy provides some clarity on the transfer of clean fuel, concerns raised by Senator Marcos regarding the storage location and the implications for Philippine sovereignty and environmental safety remain unanswered. It is essential for the Department of National Defense and the Armed Forces of the Philippines to address these concerns and provide a transparent explanation to the public.
Additionally, the international audience may find it helpful to understand the context of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) mentioned by Senator Marcos. The EDCA is a bilateral agreement between the Philippines and the United States that allows for increased rotational presence of US forces in the Philippines and promotes interoperability between the two countries’ armed forces. However, Subic is not one of the designated sites under this agreement, which raises questions about the legality and purpose of storing such a large quantity of fuel in the area.
As the situation unfolds, it is crucial for both the Philippine and US governments to address the concerns raised by Senator Marcos and provide transparent information to ensure the public’s trust. The storage and transfer of fuel, particularly in sensitive areas like Subic Bay, should be conducted with utmost transparency and in accordance with local laws and regulations.
In conclusion, the transfer of clean fuel from the US military facility in Pearl Harbor to a commercial storage facility at Subic Bay has raised concerns about storage location, Philippine sovereignty, and environmental safety. While the US Embassy has confirmed the transfer and emphasized the use of established logistics contracts, questions remain unanswered. It is crucial for the relevant authorities to address these concerns and provide transparent information to the public.
Source: The Manila Times
