The Department of National Defense (DND) in the Philippines has firmly stated that the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites within the country do not pose a threat to any nation. This declaration was made by DND Spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arsenio Andolong on Monday, March 2, 2026, in response to growing concerns fueled by recent events in the Middle East.
Addressing Misinformation and Fear
Andolong highlighted that certain groups are exploiting the tensions in the Middle East to spread fear and anxiety among Filipinos. He emphasized that these groups are misrepresenting the nature of EDCA sites, which are not American military bases but Philippine facilities used jointly for training, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and national defense.
"Certain groups are using the events in the Middle East to justify their disdain for EDCA sites in the Philippines, completely ignoring the fact that EDCA sites are not US bases, but Philippine facilities, developed and used jointly for training, HADR (humanitarian assistance and disaster relief), and the defense and security of our country," Andolong stated.
Clarifying the Scope of Conflict
The spokesperson further clarified that the hostilities in the Middle East, including recent air strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran on Saturday, February 28, are confined to that region. He noted that these attacks affected neighboring countries like Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, but the Philippines is not involved in the conflict.
"It must be stated, however, that the hostilities are confined to the Middle East. The Philippines is not a participant in the theater of 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," Andolong added.
Reaffirming Non-Offensive Use of EDCA Sites
Andolong reassured that the EDCA sites are not intended for launching assaults against other nations. He cited President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., who has made it clear that these facilities will not be used for offensive actions. Instead, they contribute significantly to strengthening the capabilities of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
"President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has made it clear that the EDCA sites will not be used for offensive action," Andolong emphasized, highlighting the sites' role in enhancing national security.
National Security Council's Stance
In a related statement, National Security Council (NSC) Assistant Director General Cornelio Valencia Jr. reinforced this position by clarifying that EDCA sites are not American military bases. He stressed that these sites remain under the full ownership, control, and management of the AFP.
"There are no American military bases in the Philippines. The sites referred to under the EDCA are Philippine military bases that remain under the full ownership, control and management of the AFP," Valencia explained.
This unified message from Philippine defense and security officials aims to dispel misconceptions and assure the public that the EDCA sites are solely for defensive and cooperative purposes, with no intent to threaten international relations.
