Tacloban: United States Armed Forces participating in the Tacloban leg of Exercise Balikatan from April 20 to May 8 have brought their own fuel supply to avoid straining local resources amid escalating oil prices. Lt. Col. Michael Villanueva, liaison officer for the Army's 8th Infantry Division (8ID), said in a media briefing that a tanker carrying approximately 20,000 liters of fuel arrived as part of the equipment for the US forces.
According to Philippines News Agency, Villanueva explained that the fuel used by US military vehicles differs from locally available diesel. It contains specific additives suited for their equipment, similar in composition to Jet A-1 fuel, making local sourcing unfeasible. 'The arrangement also aligns with conditions set by the 8ID to prevent any strain on local fuel availability during the joint exercises,' Villanueva said.
Philippine Army Task Group Tacloban Commander Col. Rico Amaro added that the decision also respects the country's current State of National Energy Emergency. By bringing their own supply, the visiting forces help avoid additional demand on the local market. 'This is part of ensuring that this exercise will not affect our local resources, especially for civilian use,' Amaro said.
Balikatan 41-2026 is the largest iteration of the annual Philippines-US military exercise. Approximately 120 combined troops will participate in the Tacloban maneuvers within the Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport.
