AFP activates EDCA sites for typhoon, monsoon disaster response

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has activated Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites to serve as forward operating hubs for humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) efforts during Typhoon Crising and the enhanced southwest monsoon.

AFP chief of staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. ordered the activation of these sites across Unified Commands and Major Services.

The EDCA sites will function as staging areas for prepositioning rescue equipment and consolidating relief goods.

This initiative is in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development, aiming for a "whole-of-nation approach" to disaster response.

The AFP believes utilizing these forward-operating hubs will enable faster and more efficient delivery of aid, particularly to remote and severely affected areas.

General Brawner emphasized that such rapid response capabilities are crucial in disaster situations.

Furthermore, the AFP is collaborating with the United States Indo-Pacific Command to leverage shared facilities, transportation, and airlift assets for disaster relief operations.