AFP Clarifies: Philippines Government Will Own Planned US Fuel Depot Facilities Under EDCA Framework

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) clarified on April 11, 2026 that the planned US Defense Fuel Support Point (DFSP) facilities in the Davao region will remain under Philippine government ownership and control — consistent with the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) framework, under which all US-constructed facilities at EDCA sites are Philippine-owned assets. Philippine Navy Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, West Philippine Sea spokesperson, stated the fuel depot 'will not be a magnet for attacks but will actually have benefits' for the Philippines' maritime security posture, citing its role in sustaining deployed forces in the West Philippine Sea and southern border areas. The AFP's clarification came after opposition voices questioned whether the arrangement constituted a de facto US military basing extension under the Philippine Constitution. Officials noted the details have 'yet to be finalized' but that the EDCA framework clearly establishes Philippine sovereignty over any constructed facility.