Davao City First District Rep. Paolo Duterte slammed the administration for allegedly expanding the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites in the Philippines, saying it poses a serious threat to national security amid the escalating tensions in the Middle East.

In a statement, Duterte said the unchecked and allegedly aggressive increase of American troops in Philippine military bases could endanger the country.

“By allowing the unchecked expansion of US military access across our country, this administration is effectively painting bullseyes on Filipino soil,” Duterte said.

Duterte added that under the basic military doctrine, any territory used by foreign forces may become a legitimate target during wartime.

He said with the rising tensions in different parts of the world, communities near EDCA sites could be placed at risk.

Duterte questioned whether the agreement strengthened national security or turned the Philippines into a forward operating base for foreign interests.

“These are not abstract risks. These are real dangers that will be borne not by politicians, but by ordinary Filipinos,” he said.

“The primary duty of government is to protect Filipino lives, safeguard our sovereignty, and keep our nation out of unnecessary conflict,” he added.

Senator Erwin Tulfo, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, also expressed concern that the Philippines could become a potential target of Iran because of the existing EDCA sites.

Tulfo said the agreement should be reviewed.

EDCA is a defense agreement between the Philippines and the United States signed in 2014, which allowed US forces to access designated Philippine military bases to strengthen defense cooperation under the Mutual Defense Treaty.

At present, there are nine EDCA sites in the country, including one at the Lumbia Air Base in Cagayan de Oro City.

However, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) assured the public that the national security remains stable.

The military said that while the conflict in the Middle East has no direct effect on the Philippines, it remains prepared to respond, particularly concerning Filipinos abroad, in coordination with the Department of National Defense (DND).

Meanwhile, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration-Davao (OWWA-11) said emergency repatriation assistance is ready should the government order the return of affected overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

“Kana siya ang emergency repatriation para na siya sa mga OFWs in case sila ipauli, accommodation, airport assistance, medical, if need og medical and financial assistance para sa mga affected OFWs,” OWWA-11 Officer-in-Charge, Mayette Almano, said.