Camp Melchor F. dela Cruz

Camp Melchor F. dela Cruz
Gamu, Isabela
Bust of Col. Melchor F. dela Cruz within the camp
Camp Melchor F. dela Cruz is located in Luzon
Camp Melchor F. dela Cruz
Camp Melchor F. dela Cruz
Camp Melchor F. dela Cruz is located in Philippines
Camp Melchor F. dela Cruz
Camp Melchor F. dela Cruz
Coordinates17°04′20″N 121°51′54″E / 17.0721°N 121.8651°E / 17.0721; 121.8651
TypeMilitary base
Site information
Controlled by Philippines
Site history
Built1936

Camp Melchor F. dela Cruz is a military camp used by the Armed Forces of the Philippines in barangay Upi in Gamu, Isabela.

History

Established in 1936,[1] it was renamed in honor of Colonel Melchor dela Cruz, who was killed after his helicopter was shot down by the communist New People's Army over San Mariano, Isabela during reconnaissance operations against the rebel group on 8 November 1971. It is currently the headquarters of the 5th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army.[2]

On May 23, 2011, the camp's re-enlistment office was damaged by two explosions, which authorities believed were perpetrated by rejected applicants for the army.[3]

In 2023, the camp was selected as one of four strategic military bases in the Philippines that were opened to the US military as part of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, citing the base's proximity to Taiwan.[4]

On October 10, 2024, three people were killed in a mass shooting perpetrated by a soldier inside the camp that was believed to have been part of a domestic dispute.[5]

Facilities

The camp also houses a museum dedicated to the life of dela Cruz and exhibits relating to the 5th ID.[6] It also hosts the 5ID Memorial Pylon dedicated to the unit's soldiers who died in the course of duty in Northern Luzon.[7]

Future expansion

Following the opening of the facility to US forces under the EDCA agreement in 2023, the United States has pledged to build warehouses to store US military assets, a landing pad for rotary aircraft, a joint training facility and a command fusion centre.[8]

References

  1. ^ "Proclamation No. 1350, s. 2007". Senate of the Philippines. 3 August 2007. Retrieved 10 August 2023.
  2. ^ "IKA-51ST DEATH ANNIVERSARY NI COL. MELCHOR F. DELACRUZ, GINUNITA". RMN. 10 November 2022. Retrieved 10 August 2023.
  3. ^ Lagasca, Charlie (26 May 2011). "Philippines Reveals Locations of 4 New Strategic Sites for US Military Pact". The Philippine Star. Retrieved 10 August 2023.
  4. ^ "Philippines Reveals Locations of 4 New Strategic Sites for US Military Pact". VOA. 3 April 2023. Retrieved 10 August 2023.
  5. ^ "Army sergeant kills wife, 2 others inside Isabela military camp". Philippine Daily Inquirer. 11 October 2024. Retrieved 11 October 2024.
  6. ^ "BAGONG MUSEUM NG 5ID, PINASINAYAAN". RMN. 10 November 2022. Retrieved 10 August 2023.
  7. ^ Edale, Merlito Jr. (10 November 2022). "DND chief leads 51st death anniversary of Col. Dela Cruz". Philippine Information Agency. Retrieved 10 August 2023.
  8. ^ Rasheed, Zaheena (10 November 2022). "How an impasse in the South China Sea drove the Philippines, US closer". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 4 January 2024.


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