Manila Bulletin
AFP eyes more EDCA sites for ‘360 degree protection’ of PH
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is considering the establishment of additional Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites to achieve "360-degree protection" for the country.
AFP spokesperson Colonel Medel Aguilar highlighted the necessity of these expanded sites for safeguarding Philippine sovereignty, territorial integrity, and maritime resources in an archipelagic nation.
Four new EDCA sites have been announced: Naval Base Camilo Osias and Lal-lo Airport in Cagayan, Camp Melchor Dela Cruz in Isabela, and Balabac Island in Palawan.
The United States has increased its funding for the development of these four additional EDCA sites from $82 million to $100 million.
This brings the total US pledges for EDCA projects and AFP helicopter acquisitions for humanitarian assistance and disaster response to P11 billion.
Despite assurances that the EDCA expansion is not directed against any specific country, China has expressed concerns, viewing it as a US strategy to contain them.
Chinese officials and scholars are anxious about the EDCA expansion's potential link to issues in the Taiwan Strait and the broader US-China rivalry.
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Senator Sherwin Gatchalian questioned the strategic advantage of the new Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (Edca) sites, but noted their potential benefits for disaster preparedness, maritime security, and counterterrorism.
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Senator Imee Marcos questioned the Philippines' reliance on foreign defense support through the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (Edca), especially with the recent agreement to add four new Edca sites.
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The four new Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites being established by the Philippines and the United States can be utilized as evacuation centers for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in case of regional conflicts.
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The Philippine government's consent is required if the United States plans to utilize Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites in the Philippines for operations targeting other nations, according to Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo.
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Twenty-one out of 29 mayors in Cagayan province support the establishment of Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites in their area.
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