The Philippines and United States recently forged a defense deal, dubbed as the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), which will allow greater US military presence in the Philippines.
Sin City scenario
In light of this, militant group Kilusan Para sa Pambansang Demokrasya has raised concerns that prostitution will again be rampant in Olongapo City once American troops return to the Subic naval base.
In the 1980s, Olongapo had once been dubbed a "Sin City" due to the high number of entertainment clubs and rampant prostitution when American forces ran the base.
Another "Nicole"
The group isn't the only one who has such fears.
Gabriela party-list Rep. Luzviminda Ilagan had also earlier warned that another incident similar to the Subic rape case may happen following the signing of EDCA.
In an April 29 interview broadcast on dzMM, Ilagan had said, "Papaano itong mga kababaihan, kabataan na mamemeligro? Dahil alam naman natin na base sa ating kasaysayan, na kung saan nandon ang military forces, eh magsusulputan na itong prostitution. Nandyan na naman ang mga problema tulad ng HIV-AIDS at maraming kabataan natin ang mabibiktima na naman (What happens now to the women and children who will become vulnerable? In our history, wherever military forces are, prostitution follows. We'll have complications like HIV-AIDS, as well kids who will be victimized)."
Optimistic outlook
But in the face of bleak reminders, Olongapo City Mayor Roeln Paulino said, "Pwede naman tayo na clean entertainment." He added that measures can be put in place to ensure this does not happen again. Even some residents agree that the return of the Americans to Subic will boost their livelihood.
Many other Olongapo residents said they welcome the return of U.S. military personnel, as it means a boost to their livelihood.
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