A city councilor in Cagayan de Oro is calling for an inquiry into the presence of American soldiers in the city as he expressed concern that bars may proliferate outside the Lumbia Air Base in Barangay Lumbia.

City Councilor Edgar Cabanlas said he wants officials from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the United States (US) Army, who are in the city, to shed light on the scope and objectives of their activities.

Cabanlas said initial briefings lacked specific details and did not allow for a two-way discussion.

“Sa report sa atong Lumbia Air Base commander wala man siya ingon about military, about specifics so ang information kulang kaayo kay lage murag monologue man dili man bilateral discussion,” Cabanlas said.

The local legislator also raised concerns over the possible increase in bars and similar establishments outside the Lumbia Air Base, which he said could pose risks to residents, particularly women who may become vulnerable to crimes.

Cabanlas cited provisions under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) saying US personnel accused of crimes may not be tried in Philippine courts, which he described as unfair.

“Naa ra ba sa EDCA nga kung maka-commit sila ug mga crime they will not be tried in our court, they will be tried outside. That is unfair,” Cabanlas said.

GMA Regional TV One Mindanao is reaching out to the Army’s 4th Infantry Division (4ID) and 590th Air Base of the Philippine Air Force for comment regarding Cabanlas’ concerns, as of this writing.

However, military officials said earlier the presence of US troops in the city is only temporary and that they are expected to leave after participating in the Balikatan exercises.

Cabanlas added that if threats to public safety are confirmed, he would recommend relocating the air base farther from residential areas and converting the current site into a commercial and industrial zone.

“Kung makita nato nga adunay gyud sight sa safety sa katawhan sa Cagayan de Oro, I would personally suggest nga ato silang hangyuon nga ibalhin kanang air base sa laing lugar nga layo sa katawhan ug himuon nato na aiport as commercial and industrial zone,” Cabanlas said.