Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 20) — Cagayan Governor Manuel Mamba will respect the national government’s decision on the establishment of new Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites, according to Defense officer-in-charge Carlito Galvez Jr.
The governor previously expressed reservation over the possibility of hosting an EDCA facility in his province.
“He said that for as long as the national government has decided, he will abide [by] the decision of the president. So he will conform with the decision,” Galvez told reporters on Monday, citing his recent conversation with Mamba.
Galvez also said that majority of local chief executives in the area are “very amenable” to the proposal.
“Almost all of the mayors signified their intention to support EDCA,” he stressed.
Last month, the Philippine government announced an agreement with the United States to expand its military presence in the country — which includes giving American troops access to four new sites.
Mamba earlier raised concern over the deal, saying he does not want his province “to be used for any offensive against any nation.”
In a message to reporters, Mamba reiterated his opposition against the deployment of foreign troops in Cagayan, but said that he will respect the decision of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Why the need for EDCA sites?
Several officials meanwhile underscored the importance of the planned installment of new military stations.
Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez said the move will be advantageous for the country’s defense strategy.
“This is all part of our plan to be able to have a posture where we will be able to defend ourselves in the future,” Romualdez said in a separate interview. “I expect our Armed Forces to be up and ready, really to be able to defend our territory within the next five and at the most eight years.”
US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson also highlighted how EDCA can help the AFP improve its response to various crises.
“In addition to security and disaster response, EDCA also supports the local economy and creates jobs,” she said.
CNN Philippines senior correspondents David Santos and Lois Calderon contributed to this report.
