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In case of conflict, EDCA locations can be used as OFW evacuation sites – DND
Philippines
National
In case of conflict, EDCA locations can be used as OFW evacuation sites – DND
In case of conflict, EDCA locations can be used as OFW evacuation sites – DND
Published Apr 21, 2023 09:35 am
The four new Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites that will be jointly established by the Philippines and United States government can be used as evacuation sites for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who may be affected by future conflicts.
(File photo via Manila Bulletin)
Senior Undersecretary Carlito Galvez Jr., officer in charge of the Department of National Defense (DND), revealed this Friday, April 21, as he reiterated the benefits of putting up additional EDCA locations in the country.
“As part of our efforts to prepare to respond to contingencies, the four additional EDCA sites are expected to serve as points for the evacuation of overseas Filipino workers in the event of a flare-up in the region’s flashpoints,” Galvez said.
The acting defense chief issued the remarks several days after Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian advised the Philippine government to “unequivocally oppose ‘Taiwan independence’ rather than stoking the fire” by giving the United States access to Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) bases near Taiwan “if it cares genuinely about the 150,000 OFWs.”
While Huang already clarified that his statement was “lost in translation,” Galvez said defense attaches have been coordinating with host countries on possible repatriation operations “which can be undertaken with our US allies should the need arise.”
Tension between China and US is flaring up over Taiwan’s sovereignty. China is claiming that Taiwan is part of its territory while US said it will support the self-ruled island in case of an invasion.
Earlier this month, the government announced the establishment of four additional EDCA sites in the country: two are located at the Naval Base Camilo Osias and Lal-lo Airport in Cagayan, which is facing Taiwan in the northern Philippines, while the other two are at Camp Melchor Dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela; and Balabac Island in Palawan. Prior to this, there are already five existing EDCA sites in the Philippines.
To fast-track the completion of the new EDCA sites, the US increased the funding for its development from $82 million to $100 million (P5.5 billion), according to Galvez.
“The benefits of developing these sites cannot be understated especially on the continued modernization of the AFP,” Galvez said.
“The various projects in these EDCA sites, most of which are for warehousing and storage for HADR [humanitarian assistance and disaster response]-related materiel are scheduled for completion by the end of 2023,” he added.
Further, Galvez said that 21 mayors in Cagayan have expressed their support to the implementation of EDCA, adding that one municipality even hinted about the possibility of donating a tract of land for the use of the AFP.
“Truly, the overwhelming majority of local chief executives in the province supporting our endeavor proves the Filipino people’s appreciation of the merits of EDCA, not only for enhancing our national security but for providing opportunities to further develop our local communities as well,” Galvez said.
Cagayan Governor Mamba, on the other hand, continues to air his opposition to the inclusion of the province as among the target sites for the EDCA expansion, citing the repercussions of the potential conflict between China and US to his constituents.
(File photo via Manila Bulletin)
Senior Undersecretary Carlito Galvez Jr., officer in charge of the Department of National Defense (DND), revealed this Friday, April 21, as he reiterated the benefits of putting up additional EDCA locations in the country.
“As part of our efforts to prepare to respond to contingencies, the four additional EDCA sites are expected to serve as points for the evacuation of overseas Filipino workers in the event of a flare-up in the region’s flashpoints,” Galvez said.
The acting defense chief issued the remarks several days after Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian advised the Philippine government to “unequivocally oppose ‘Taiwan independence’ rather than stoking the fire” by giving the United States access to Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) bases near Taiwan “if it cares genuinely about the 150,000 OFWs.”
While Huang already clarified that his statement was “lost in translation,” Galvez said defense attaches have been coordinating with host countries on possible repatriation operations “which can be undertaken with our US allies should the need arise.”
Tension between China and US is flaring up over Taiwan’s sovereignty. China is claiming that Taiwan is part of its territory while US said it will support the self-ruled island in case of an invasion.
Earlier this month, the government announced the establishment of four additional EDCA sites in the country: two are located at the Naval Base Camilo Osias and Lal-lo Airport in Cagayan, which is facing Taiwan in the northern Philippines, while the other two are at Camp Melchor Dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela; and Balabac Island in Palawan. Prior to this, there are already five existing EDCA sites in the Philippines.
To fast-track the completion of the new EDCA sites, the US increased the funding for its development from $82 million to $100 million (P5.5 billion), according to Galvez.
“The benefits of developing these sites cannot be understated especially on the continued modernization of the AFP,” Galvez said.
“The various projects in these EDCA sites, most of which are for warehousing and storage for HADR [humanitarian assistance and disaster response]-related materiel are scheduled for completion by the end of 2023,” he added.
Further, Galvez said that 21 mayors in Cagayan have expressed their support to the implementation of EDCA, adding that one municipality even hinted about the possibility of donating a tract of land for the use of the AFP.
“Truly, the overwhelming majority of local chief executives in the province supporting our endeavor proves the Filipino people’s appreciation of the merits of EDCA, not only for enhancing our national security but for providing opportunities to further develop our local communities as well,” Galvez said.
Cagayan Governor Mamba, on the other hand, continues to air his opposition to the inclusion of the province as among the target sites for the EDCA expansion, citing the repercussions of the potential conflict between China and US to his constituents.