MANILA, Philippines — The Department of National Defense (DND) officer in charge (OIC) Carlito G Galvez assured that the new Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (Edca) sites are not a cause of concern due to their economic and security benefits.
The announcement that there will be more Edca sites was met with criticism as well as concerns over the Philippines’ sovereignty.
READ: US, PH agree to four new Edca sites
“These Edca sites should not be a cause for concern for anyone since it could also spur economic investments, joint protection, and preservation of our maritime and natural resources,” said Galvez.
Galvez insisted that defense capability building was still within the sovereign rights of a country, assuring that the DND would remain steadfast in ensuring that engagements with any foreign country would be done within the frame of the law.
“The Edca was primarily envisioned to develop our own bases and facilities in line with our overall efforts to enhance our defense posture, especially our preparedness for responding to disasters and emergencies,” said Galvez.
According to the OIC, it will enhance the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), especially in line with the AFP modernization program.
“No less than US Secretary of Defense Austin reiterated during our recent joint press conference that Edca is not about permanent basing in the Philippines, which is forbidden by the Philippine Constitution, but rather a collaborative agreement that will allow our allies access to training opportunities with Philippine personnel on a rotational basis for the purpose of enhancing interoperability and mutual capacity building between Philippine and US forces,” said Galvez.
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