2 US warships to arrive in Subic

MANILA, Philippines - Two US warships are scheduled to arrive today and tomorrow at Subic Bay in Zambales in what embassy officials described as a routine port call to highlight the strong historic community and military relations between the Philippines and the United States.

Set to drop anchor today at the former US naval facility is submarine tender USS Frank Cable (AS 40). To arrive tomorrow is Los Angeles-class submarine USS Asheville (SSN-758).

“During their visit, Frank Cable and Asheville will refuel and receive supplies, and the crew will be given opportunities for community service in nearby areas as well as rest and recreation,” the US embassy said in a statement.

The arrival of two US warships coincided with today’s visit to the country of US Pacific Command chief Adm. Samuel Locklear for a meeting with Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin on various issues, specifically regional security.

“Joint exercise, training, education and also assistance in our ongoing capability upgrade program in the light of the upcoming rainy season are likely to be taken up,” defense spokesman Peter Paul Galvez said.

He added that Locklear and senior defense and military officials may also discuss the territorial disputes in the West Philippine Sea and South China Sea.

Locklear, without mentioning China, had declared in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia that the US would oppose the use of force by any country in pressing its claim on the Spratlys. China has been aggressively expanding its presence in disputed waters for months. It had even deployed warships near Ayungin Shoal, which is well within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.

Philippine presence in Ayungin is represented by a handful of soldiers on grounded landing tank ship BRP Sierra Madre.

Meanwhile, outgoing British Ambassador Stephen Lillie said his country’s military partnership with the Philippines is “gradually developing.”

“When I came here we had no military relationship, the British and the Philippines. Since last year we had a defense attaché accredited to the Philippines,” Lillie said in a farewell reception he tendered for diplomatic reporters.

“It is not a big military relationship. I think we are a long way. But I think the two military are getting to understand each other better,” Lillie said.

But he stressed the defense cooperation between the two countries “is not going to be like the US relationship.”

“We are not an Asian regional power. But I see UK-Philippine relationship as a comprehensive, bilateral relationship. A military component is part of that,” he added.

Delegates from the world-renowned Royal College of Defence Studies in London visited the Philippines last month as part of their post-graduate study tour to Southeast Asia. The delegation was led by RCDS Commandant retired Lt. Gen. David Bill. – With Pia Lee-Brago