Activists raise concerns over US ambassador's first visit to Davao City
Student and progressive groups say Ambassador Lee Lipton's courtesy call on Mayor Sebastian Duterte points to continuing US military and economic interests in Mindanao, while local allies of the mayor welcomed the trip.
US Ambassador Lee Lipton's first visit to Davao City has drawn criticism from activists, who say the trip reflects ongoing US military and economic interests in Mindanao, according to Davao Today.
Lipton, who was assigned to the Philippines in May, paid a courtesy call on Davao City Mayor Sebastian 'Baste' Duterte on October 22. It was her first trip to Mindanao. She was accompanied by embassy staff, while the mayor was joined by his party-mate Sen. Robinhood Padilla and other city officials. The ambassador later shared a photo on the embassy's Facebook page showing her with residents waving American flags.
Padilla praised the visit on social media, saying it would open opportunities for safe business and support economic and charitable programs in Mindanao and the Bangsamoro region. Third District Rep. Isidro Ungab, a Duterte ally, said the visit showed that city leaders welcome diplomats despite tensions between the US and China. "We are friends to all," Ungab said, adding that it would correct the view that Dabawenyos 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 Italian Ambassador Davide Gigilo on October 20. The group said the meeting raised concerns over a possible US oil depot in Davao for military logistics and the Balikatan military exercises in Paquibato District, which it linked to militarization and alleged human rights violations against farmers and Lumad communities.
The LFS also said 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 possible impeachment. Manuel argued 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.
Why it matters for Davao
The visit puts a spotlight on the city government's April stance against foreign military facilities and oil depots in the Davao Region, and on how Davao leaders balance relations with the US and China.
This article was written by the DavaoNews desk with AI assistance, using reporting by Davao Today. Facts come from the original report, which we credit and link below. Our editorial policy
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