Navy ships cancel port calls to the PH

US Naval Base in Subic Bay / Wikipedia Photo

MANILA – Following the ongoing “anti-American sentiments” in the country after a US Marine was accused of killing a Filipino transgender, nine US Navy ships have cancelled their port calls, according to the Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce (SBFCC).

While the statement has not been confirmed by the US Embassy and the Department of Foreign Affairs, local businessmen has expressed disappointment as they have already been preparing for the “liberty” (rest and recreation of the troops, according to the group of businessmen.

“This anticipated visit could have meant a better Christmas for the business owners and their employees…. But after the cancellation, one can only imagine the disappointed faces,” the SBFCC said in a statement sent to the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

Meanwhile, US Embassy first secretary and press attaché, Kurt Hoyer, said in the same report that the embassy has yet to confirm the information.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority chair Roberto Garcia, however, confirmed the cancellation of the port calls.

He cited a report from the Global Terminals and Development Inc. and added that four ships were expected to visit the free port this month while the next five ships are expected in December.

He added that the port calls were “put on hold until further notice.”