Middle East tensions have no direct threat to PH — DND

Philippine military and security officials said Monday that tensions in the Middle East will have no direct threat to the country’s security following a call by a senator to review the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) between Manila and Washington. 

Senator Erwin Tulfo, chair of the Senate’s Foreign Relations panel, earlier noted that American military bases in the Middle East have been targeted by the airstrikes. 

“With all these instances, events, yung mga nangyayari po na tinatarget po ng ibang bansa ang mga facilities ng Amerika po, siguro nga po, kailangan siguro reviewhin itong Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement kasi baka maging target tayo. Lalo na tayo ay may regional conflict with our neighbor,” Tulfo told Super Radyo dzBB over the weekend. 

(With all these instances and events—specifically the targeting of American facilities by other countries—it may be necessary to review the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), as we might become a target ourselves. This is especially concerning given our ongoing regional conflict with our neighbor.) 

For instance, there are Filipinos living near a US military base in Bahrain, which is one of the targets of the attacks. 

But the Department of National Defense (DND) clarified that the Philippines is not a participant in the ongoing conflict. 

“As such, there is no credible direct threat to the Philippines or facilities therein. Iran launched attacks on US facilities in countries that it shares maritime or land borders with. The Philippines poses no threat to Iran,” said Defense spokesperson Arsenio Andolong. 

The DND added that the EDCA sites in the country are not managed by the US. 

“Our EDCA sites are Philippine facilities. They do not belong to the US nor are they being used to launch or stage assaults against another country. They are for joint training, HADR, and the defense and security of our country.  They fulfill an important role in the capacity and capability building of the AFP,” said Andolong. 

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. 

There are currently nine EDCA sites: Antonio Bautista Air Base (Palawan), Basa Air Base (Pampanga), Fort Magsaysay (Nueva Ecija), Mactan-Benito Ebuen Air Base (Cebu), Lumbia Air Base (Cagayan de Oro City), Naval Base Camilo Osias (Sta Ana, Cagayan),  Lal-lo Airport (Lal-lo, Cagayan), Camp Melchor Dela Cruz (Gamu, Isabela), and in Balabac Island (Palawan). 

Likewise, the National Security Council (NSC) pointed out that the EDCA sites in the country are under the full control of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. 

“There are no American military bases in the Philippines. The sites referred to under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) are Philippine military bases that remain under the full ownership, control, and management of the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” said NSC Assistant Director General and spokesperson Cornello Valencia. 

“At this time, tensions remain confined to the region, and there is no verified direct threat to Philippine territory, including our military facilities,” he added.

The United States and Israel launched joint military operations against Iran on Saturday, escalating tensions in the region.

The Israeli military said Iran retaliated with missile strikes on Israel.

The Pentagon has officially designated the American strikes as Operation Epic Fury.

One Filipino caregiver was confirmed dead in the airstrikes, according to the Philippine government. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News