TACLOBAN CITY — The Philippine government is closely monitoring developments in the Middle East but has found no verified or credible threat to the country’s territory or military installations, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año said.
In a statement issued on March 2, Año said the National Security Council (NSC) continues to assess the situation and remains vigilant amid heightened geopolitical tensions in the region.
“Based on current intelligence assessments, there is no verified or credible direct threat to Philippine territory, including our military installations and surrounding communities,” Año said, adding that security agencies are maintaining preparedness measures to ensure early detection of potential risks.
The official also addressed concerns raised in public discussions suggesting that facilities under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) could make the Philippines a possible target amid the ongoing hostilities in the Middle East.
Año said such claims misrepresent the nature of the agreement and the current security situation.
He stressed that the Philippines is not a party to the conflict and that the hostilities remain confined to the Middle East.
The national security adviser also clarified that EDCA sites are not United States military bases but facilities located within Philippine military camps that remain under the ownership and control of the Philippine government.
“These sites remain under the full ownership of the Republic of the Philippines and under the command and control of the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” Año said.
Under the agreement, the United States is granted limited access to facilities within Philippine bases for joint training, humanitarian assistance and disaster response, interoperability, and capability development.
Año said the presence of U.S. forces in these sites is rotational rather than permanent and is intended to support the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ modernization and capability-building efforts.
He also urged the public to rely on verified information when discussing security issues, noting that speculation and fear-based narratives can create unnecessary concern.
“At such times, it is essential that public discourse be grounded in verified information rather than speculation,” he said.
Año added that the government will continue to closely coordinate with security agencies while ensuring the protection of national sovereignty and the safety of the Filipino people.(PR)
