AFP upbeat on deal for 4 more EDCA sites in the Philippines

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is optimistic about the agreement of the Philippines and the United States to designate four new sites in the country for the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).

In a statement, the AFP said the EDCA is a collaborative agreement that enables both countries “to increase joint training opportunities, humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) capability,  and rotational activities to strengthen interoperability between our armed forces.”

Moreover, the AFP said that the five previously agreed locations and the four new sites will be utilized by the US and Philippine forces for their joint operations to facilitate and expedite the implementation of programs to enhance security cooperation, joint training, and HADR operation.

It also noted that the establishment or enhancement of the existing facilities will be funded by the US Government, and will be turned over to the Philippine Government after they served their purpose. 

“We look forward to work continuously with our allies to strengthen further our capability to save lives in times of natural disasters and defend the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the AFP said.

At a joint press conference shortly after his meeting with visiting US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III, DND chief Carlito Galvez Jr. said he cannot yet identify the exact locations of the four new EDCA sites.

Signed in 2014, EDCA grants US troops access to designated Philippine military facilities, the right to construct facilities, and pre-position equipment, aircraft and vessels, but rules out permanent basing. The Philippine Constitution outlaws foreign military bases in the country unless covered by a treaty.

According to the DND, the Philippines and the US also committed to moving quickly to agree on the necessary plans and investments for the new and existing EDCA locations.

So far, the US has allocated over $82 million toward infrastructure investments at the existing five sites under the EDCA.

The initial five predetermined sites are located in Antonio Bautista Air Base in Palawan -- near the disputed South China Sea -- Basa Air Base in Pampanga, Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija, Mactan-Benito Ebuen Air Base in Cebu and Lumbia Air Base in Cagayan de Oro City. —LBG, GMA Integrated News