Cagayan tagged as next site of ‘Balikatan’ war games

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya—The Cagayan Special Economic Zone and Freeport (CSEZF) is being considered as venue of the Philippine-United States Balikatan exercises when Cagayan Valley hosts the event in 2013, officials in the region said on Thursday.

But top officials of the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (Ceza), which manages the CSEZF, were tightlipped on the plan and on reports that they had initiated the bid for the region to host the Balikatan.

“[The proposal] is still under negotiations,” Geoffrey Cabalza, Ceza deputy administrator, said in a text message. He and Ceza Administrator Jose Mari Ponce did not take calls on their mobile phone.

In an e-mail statement, however, Ceza said Santa Ana town, which covers 78 percent (44,200 hectares) of the 55,000-ha economic zone, was considered because it was “seen to be the most appropriate venue to hold the said event due to its existing facilities and ideal location.”

It clarified, however, that the final site for the exercises has yet to be determined.

“Ceza supports this regional activity and is very willing to contribute whatever is needed to make this event successful, including opening Santa Ana as the venue of the said event, if that is what will be decided upon,” Ceza said.

Last month, the Regional Development Council (RDC) and the Regional Peace and Order Council endorsed the holding of the Balikatan exercises in Cagayan Valley, citing opportunities that officials expect would spur economic progress of the region.

A report from the RDC secretariat said council officials were unanimous in supporting the proposal, with Governors Vicente Gato of Batanes and Faustino Dy III of Isabela also offering their provinces as possible venues.

Leftist militants continue to denounce the military exercises as the remaining symbol of US intervention in Philippine affairs.

Recently, some senators called for a review of the Visiting Forces Agreement which governs the conduct of the exercises on Philippine soil.