Palace names 4 new EDCA sites

Proposed additional EDCA locations released on April 3, 2023. (Photo courtesy of Presidential Communications Office)

By Christine Fabro

Malacañang on Monday, April 4, announced four more “suitable and mutually beneficial” locations for the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) in the country.

The four locations inspected and assessed by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) include the 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.

In a release, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said the additional sites are “seen to boost the disaster response of the country.”

These locations will also be used for humanitarian and relief operations during emergencies and natural disasters.

According to PCO, while the four extra sites will be scattered across the country, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. stressed that these sites will defend the eastern coast, taking into consideration the Philippines’ continental shelf on Luzon’s eastern side.

Department of National Defense (DND) Spokesperson Arsenio Andolong earlier said that these EDCA sites will not become American military bases, but will also be used as storage and warehouse facilities for military logistics. –ag 

Popular

Myanmar quake victim rescued after 5 days as aid calls grow

By Agence France-Presse Rescuers on Wednesday, April 2, pulled a man alive from the rubble five days after Myanmar's devastating earthquake, as calls grew for...

Palace allays fears on ‘Taiwan invasion,’ but says contingencies ready

By Darryl John Esguerra | Philippine News Agency Malacañang on Wednesday sought to allay public concerns over a potential invasion of Taiwan by China, but...

2nd batch of PH rescuers on its way to Myanmar

By Priam Nepomuceno | Philippine News Agency The Philippine Air Force (PAF) announced that the second batch of rescuers under the Philippine Inter-Agency Humanitarian Contingent...

Filipinos feared trapped in Myanmar condo still unaccounted for

By Joyce Anne Rocamora | Philippine News Agency The four Filipinos feared to be among those trapped in a collapsed condominium in quake-hit Myanmar remain...