Activists question US ambassador's first Davao City visit, cite military concerns

Youth activists have raised concerns over US Ambassador Lee Lipton's first visit to Davao City, saying it points to continuing American military and economic interests in Mindanao, according to Davao Today.

Lipton, who took up his post in the Philippines in May, paid a courtesy call on Davao City Mayor Sebastian "Baste" Duterte on October 22. It was his first trip to Mindanao. He was accompanied by embassy staff, while the mayor was joined by Sen. Robinhood Padilla and other city officials. The ambassador later shared a photo on the embassy's Facebook page showing him with Dabawenyos waving American flags.

Padilla welcomed the visit on social media, saying it would open opportunities for safe business in Mindanao and strengthen US economic and charitable programs in the region and in BARMM. Third District Rep. Isidro Ungab said the visit showed that city leaders welcome diplomats despite tensions between the US and China. "We are friends to all, US, China etc.," Ungab said, adding that it would counter the view that Davao leaders are anti-US.

The League of Filipino Students (LFS) Davao chapter said it was wary of recent diplomatic visits, including Lipton's and that of the Italian ambassador on October 20. The group said the meeting raised alarms over a possible US oil depot in Davao for military logistics and over Balikatan exercises in Paquibato District, which it said lead to militarization and rights abuses against farmers and Lumad communities.

The LFS also said that welcoming the ambassador runs counter to the city government's April statement opposing foreign military facilities and oil depots in the Davao Region.

Former Kabataan Party-list Rep. Raoul Manuel said the visit suggests the US is watching political developments ahead of the 2028 elections, in which Vice President Sara Duterte leads surveys while facing a possible impeachment, according to Davao Today. Manuel said the US wants its military and industrial investments to prosper regardless of who wins, and that the visit also serves the Dutertes' interest in gaining international recognition despite their ties to China.