The Armed Forces of the Philippines expresses its gratitude for the support extended by Senators Francis Tolentino, Francis Escudero and Sherwin Gatchalian to the implementation of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).
This manifestation of support is in line with our treaty obligation as contained in the Mutual Defense Treaty of 1951, AFP spokesperson Col Medel Aguilar said yesterday.
Acoording to Col Medel, since the signing of EDCA in 2014, it has continuously facilitated the conduct of military exercises and HADR operations in support to the AFP mission.
“Likewise, with the threat of climate change, our partnership with modern and well-equipped countries such as the United States of America will develop the capability of our troops in executing humanitarian and disaster response (HADR) operations in times of natural calamities and disasters,” he said.
In addition to capability development, our engagement with a friend and a long-time ally also brings economic activities and opportunities that will benefit the people of the host local government units. This will further improve business confidence that will provide economic stability that investors seek, Col Medel added.
Establishment or enhancement of existing facilities will be funded by the US Government and will be turned over to the Philippine Government after its use.
“We want to emphasize that the existing five agreed locations under EDCA and the inclusion of four new sites are facilities that the US and Philippine forces will jointly operate to facilitate and expedite the implementation of programs that will enhance our security cooperation, joint training, and HADR operation,” he said.
Meanwhile, the AFP and the US Armed Forces are once again holding the 38th iteration of annual bilateral Balikatan Exercises.
Col. Medel clarified that although this is a bilateral activity, the AFP takes the lead in planning and execution, supported by the US Armed Forces with other like-minded nations as observers.
Balikatan 38-2023 schedule on second week of April will result in the development of the AFP capability not only in the conduct of external defense operations but also in fulfilling its obligation in working with other countries in the region against terrorism and other threats. (VICTOR BALDEMOR RUIZ)
