Olongapo folk hope US troops boost economy

OLONGAPO CITY—Eight United States naval ships are expected to arrive at the Subic Bay Freeport until December and local officials are pinning their hopes on the American troops’ visits to boost the local economy.

Mayor Rolen Paulino said they were hoping the ban on the liberty (rest and recreation) period for US servicemen would be lifted any time soon.

“We don’t see the visiting US troops as Armed Forces only but also as tourists who are ready to spend their money here,” he said.

He said the city’s businesses suffered losses in the aftermath of the murder of transgender Jeffrey “Jennifer” Laude in a motel here on Oct. 11 last year.

Witnesses had identified US Marine Lance Cpl. Joseph Scott Pemberton as the foreigner who was with Laude when they checked into the motel.

Pemberton is awaiting a local court’s verdict on the murder charge filed against him by the family of Laude.

Last year, the US Pacific Command (US Pacom) canceled the rest and recreation activities of US servicemen in the Philippines after Pemberton was detained for Laude’s slaying.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Chair Roberto Garcia earlier said the US Pacom had eased up on its servicemen’s liberty in June and allowed them to leave their ships but not the Subic Bay Freeport.

Citing reports from local investors, Garcia said owners of business establishments inside the free port and Olongapo City lost about $3.5 million in potential revenues due to the liberty ban.

Paulino said the business sector in the city has been losing about P54 million in potential daily revenues when a US ship visits Subic Bay since the US troops’ activities are restricted to the free port.

In the last three months, at least seven US naval ships docked at Subic Bay for routine port visits.

Paulino said local business owners supported the city’s preparation in anticipation of the visits of US ships and the lifting of their troops’ liberty ban.

“The Metro Olongapo City Chamber of Commerce will provide uniforms and radio equipment to members of the proposed task force that will maintain peace and order while the US servicemen spend their liberty activities here,” Paulino said.

Paulino was referring to the planned Task Force Liberty to be composed of representatives from Olongapo villages, the police, the Philippine Army Reserve Command, the city council and the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

Task force members would ensure the safety of Olongapo residents and visiting Americans on shore leave, Paulino said. “Once the trial of Pemberton is over, we’re looking forward to more frequent visits of US ships and their troops,” he said.

He said aside from US servicemen, Japanese naval and Army troops are also expected to visit Subic Bay soon.