Sleepy towns to host returning US forces

By Associated Press

May 14, 2024 12:22 am

THE far-flung coastal town of Santa Ana on the northeastern tip of the Philippine mainland has long been known by tourists for its beaches, waterfalls, fireflies and a few casinos.

But that's changing after the laid-back town of about 35,000 people, which still has no traffic light, became strategically important to America.

US Marines walk down a sand dune after a live fire exercise against an imaginary invasion force as part of the joint US-Philippines annual military Balikatan drills in Laoag on Luzon island's northwest coast on May 6, 2024. US and Filipino troops fired missiles and artillery at an imaginary invasion force during war games on the Philippines' northern coast on May 6, days after their governments objected to China's dangerous actions in regional waters. Ted ALJIBE / AFP

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