02/03/2026
๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐
Strategic Communications
๐๐ญ๐๐ญ๐๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ ๐จ๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐๐ฅ ๐๐๐๐ฎ๐ซ๐ข๐ญ๐ฒ ๐๐๐ฏ๐ข๐ฌ๐๐ซ
๐๐๐๐ซ๐๐ญ๐๐ซ๐ฒ ๐๐๐ฎ๐๐ซ๐๐จ ๐. ๐๐งฬ๐จ
02 March 2026 | Manila, Philippines
The National Security Council is closely and continuously monitoring developments in the Middle East. Based on current intelligence assessments, there is no verified or credible direct threat to Philippine territory, including our military installations and surrounding communities. Security agencies remain vigilant and maintain appropriate preparedness measures to ensure early detection of any emerging security threats.
Recent public commentary has suggested that facilities under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) also known as โEDCA sitesโ could make our country a potential target. These claims mischaracterize the current security situation and the nature of EDCA.
First, the Philippines is not a party or a belligerent to the current hostilities. Moreover, the conflict is confined to the Middle East which is another part of the globe.
Second, the EDCA sites are not US military bases but Philippine military bases. They do not operate independently of Philippine authority. They do not transfer sovereignty to any other state. They remain under the full ownership of the Republic of the Philippines and under the command and control of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
Under EDCA, the United States is merely granted access to facilities located inside Philippine military bases for joint training, interoperability, humanitarian assistance and disaster response, and capability development. The U.S. presence in the sites is not permanent but rotational and serves to strengthen the capabilities of the AFP and advance the modernization program.
We recognize that heightened geopolitical tensions can generate uncertainty. At such times, it is essential that public discourse be grounded in verified information rather than speculation. Fear-based narratives, particularly those that misrepresent existing agreements or exaggerate risks, are counter-productive.
We will continue to assess developments prudently and professionally, in close coordination with relevant security agencies. The Philippine government remains vigilant and is fully committed to safeguarding national sovereignty, protecting our people, and upholding the national interest.
