PH, US add 4 new EDCA sites

The Philippine government has designated four new Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites: Naval Base Camilo Osias in Sta. Ana, Cagayan; Lal-lo Airport in Lal-lo, Cagayan; Camp Melchor Dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela; and Balabac Island in Palawan.

These new locations, announced by the Philippines and US defense departments in February, add to the previous five EDCA sites.

According to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar, the EDCA sites will provide much-needed infrastructure for the modernization of the military and its equipment.

Aguilar stated these sites are strategic for strengthening the AFP's capacity to protect the people and the state, advance national interests, and enhance disaster response capabilities.

The US Department of Defense previously said these new locations will strengthen the interoperability of the US and Philippine Armed Forces for disaster response and regional readiness.

Sabrina Singh, Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary, clarified that the US is not seeking permanent military bases but an increase in rotational forces for combined training and disaster response.

China has criticized the military partnership, warning it endangers regional peace and stability, while the US maintains that activities are responsive to local needs.

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. previously emphasized that the new sites are strategically located to defend the country's eastern coast.