AFP: PH could expand EDCA Pact with US could cover more military bases for ‘360-degree protection’

THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said Sunday that the country’s Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) with the United States could be further expanded to cover more military bases to improve the country’s defenses.

In an interview on radio dzBB, AFP spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilarsaid more EDCA sites, to be built up with

US funding and which would be accessible to American troops and equipment, would provide the Philippine military with the capability to provide “360-degree protection.”

The government recently announced four new EDCA sites: Naval Base Camilo Osias in Sta. Ana, Cagayan; Lallo Airport in Lal-lo, Cagayan;Camp Melchor Dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela; and Balabac Island in Palawan.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the four additional EDCA sites would not be used for offensive actions.

The five existing EDCA locations are Antonio Bautista Air Base in Palawan, Basa Air Base in Pampanga, Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija,Mactan-Benito Ebuen Air Base in Cebu, and Lumbia Air Base in Cagayande Oro City.

The Senate committee on foreign relations, however, questioned thelocation of the EDCA sites, particularly two that were near Taiwan, which is a bone of contention between China and the

United States.

Over the weekend, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) said it has been briefed on the operations and other specifications of the American-made MIM-104 Patriot surface-to-air missile system. In a statement over the weekend, PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. ConsueloCastillo said it was made possible during the air and missile defense subject