More US troops arrive in CDO for joint training with PH forces

CAGAYAN DE ORO — Additional American troops arrived on a United States naval ship that docked at Macabalan Pier over the weekend.

Colonel Anselmo Ty, group commander of the Philippine Air Force 590th Air Base Group stationed at Lumbia Air Base, said 100 US servicemen arrived to participate in the two-week humanitarian and disaster relief training with Philippine troops.

The training began on March 8 and will end on March 28.

READ: US servicemen arrive in CDO for joint training with PH troops

“Their presence in Cagayan de Oro is only temporary. They are here for the training in humanitarian and disaster response,” Ty said.

He also said the training is well-coordinated with the local government and relevant government agencies.

The arrival of US troops, which began trickling into Lumbia Air Base last week, caused a stir among residents who feared it was related to the ongoing geopolitical tensions in Iran and the Middle East.

Jade Adecer, Cagayan de Oro City information officer, reassured residents that the US troops will remain confined to Lumbia Air Base except when they participate in training scenarios.

Adecer said representatives from the Air Force have been coordinating with the local government since the first week of March. /mcm