Rappler.com-Apr 3
The Philippines has allowed the United States to expand its military presence across four key sites in northern Luzon and Palawan, as both countries seek to bolster their collective defense position and counter China’s growing aggressiveness in the region. In an announcement on Monday, April 3, Malacañang said the following are the new sites under the two countries’ Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA):
Naval Base Camilo Osias in Santa Ana, Cagayan
Lal-lo Airport in Lal-lo, Cagayan, Camp Melchor Dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela and Balabac Island in Palawan. The addition of four new locations brings from five to nine the total number of sites under EDCA, a military deal that allows the US to preposition defense assets and construct facilities in local bases. It also marks the largest military footprint the US will have in the Southeast Asian country in about 30 years, or since 1992, when the Philippines ordered American forces to withdraw from the sprawling Subic Bay base and Clark Air base. Read more at:
