Cagayanos hold rally vs 2 EDCA sites

ABOUT 7,000 people gathered at the Rizal Park in this city to convince President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to change his mind on designating two military camps in Cagayan province as Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites.

“We are asking for a miracle that the President will change his mind about EDCA,” Tuao, Cagayan Mayor William Mamba told the participants of the prayer rally.

Clarita Lunas, retired regional supervisor from the Department of Education and a provincial consultant on education, said the concept of the prayer rally started after The Naval Base Camilo Osias in Santa Ana and the Lal-lo Airport have been selected as locations where the U.S. military can stock weapons and equipment under the EDCA.

Seven other sites have been named in other parts of the country.

Lunas, one of the convenors of the prayer rally, told The Manila Times

“the only weapon we have, during our meeting [with other convenors] is prayer.”

Lunas said the EDCA sites are “clear areas where American forces will launch their impending war because of China’s plan to recover Taiwan.

She said it is a conflict

“that Cagayan has nothing to do with.”

“Because of this, many lives will surely be lost and properties damaged,” Lunas said.

She made it clear that Cagayan is not against President Marcos, “neither are we against the national