TUGUEGARAO , Philippines – The coastal town of Sta. Ana in Cagayan is being considered as an ideal naval base for American troops to help counter China’s assertiveness in the West Philippine Sea.
Sta. Ana Mayor Darwin Tobias said he has no objection to host visiting American soldiers in his town, adding it is strategically located near the disputed sea.
“We need the support of allied countries that could help us preserve our sovereignty and security amid the bullying from powerful countries,†Tobias told The STAR yesterday.
He said the temporary deployment of US troops in Sta. Ana could provide livelihood as well as business opportunities for its residents.
Sta. Ana, previously known as Barrio Palawig, used to be a part of Gonzaga town, which was cited in history as the location of Japanese forces on Dec. 10, 1941.
After the war on Oct. 21, 1949, then President Elpidio Quirino issued an executive order creating the town of Sta. Ana.