US submarine arrives in Subic

MANILA, Philippines - Amid the territorial dispute in the West Philippine Sea and issues hounding a new defense deal between Manila and Washington, a US submarine arrived at Subic Bay on Sunday for a routine port call.

The USS Columbus, a Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine, is commanded by David Youtt and manned by about 140 sailors, two of them Filipino-Americans.

A US embassy statement said the port call “highlights the strong historic, community, and military connections between the the Philippines and the United States.” 

The visit came as the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), a deal that will provide the US access to Philippine military bases, is facing legal challenges before the Supreme Court.

Three petitions challenging the constitutionality of EDCA have been filed with the high tribunal.

The Philippines and the US signed the agreement last April.

Officials said the 10-year deal would help upgrade the Philippine military, considered to be one of the weakest in the region.

The agreement will allow the US to build temporary facilities and store equipment in Philippine military bases.

Subic is reportedly one of the areas being considered as a site for the US facilities.