Marcos orders full use of EDCA sites for Kristine relief

President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. ordered the full utilization of Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites for relief and rescue operations in areas affected by Tropical Storm Kristine.

During a briefing at Camp Aguinaldo, Marcos emphasized that EDCA sites are specifically designated to assist during such situations, particularly in airlifting relief goods, personnel, and equipment in areas with unpassable road networks.

Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro assured that military assets with airlift capabilities are ready, and the government is coordinating with ASEAN neighbors for additional assistance.

AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said the United States is also 'ready to send their aircrafts' to help in relief operations, having coordinated with US counterparts who have alerted most of their planes.

EDCA sites, including Antonio Bautista Air Base in Palawan and Mactan-Benito Ebuen Air Base in Cebu, among others, will facilitate rapid response efforts for disaster relief.