The Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites with the United States will now serve as relief hubs in response to the effects of Tropical Cyclone Crising and the southwest monsoon.
During a press briefing at Camp Aguinaldo, Armed Forces spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla announced that AFP Chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. had directed the activation of EDCA sites as forward operating hubs to support humanitarian aid operations.
“I have ordered our Unified Commands and Major Services to activate these sites as primary hubs for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations,” Brawner said in a statement read by Padilla.
“This activation includes the strategic prepositioning of our rescue assets and the consolidation of relief goods, which we are undertaking in close partnership with the DSWD to ensure a synchronized, whole-of-nation effort,” he added.
Brawner’s order followed direct instruction from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. through Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. He emphasized that the EDCA sites would help speed up the delivery of assistance to affected communities.
The AFP is closely coordinating with the US Indo-Pacific Command to use EDCA sites for relief operations. Brawner said this collaboration ensures “seamless interoperability” and effective use of transportation and airlift assets.
“The AFP is leveraging every available advantage—including our strong alliances and strategic infrastructure—to fulfill our mandate to serve and protect the people,” he said. “The use of EDCA sites is not just a logistical decision; it is a commitment to bring aid and comfort with speed and efficiency.”
Padilla clarified that the Philippines does not need U.S. approval to use the EDCA sites for domestic disaster relief.
According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), six people died due to the combined effects of Tropical Storm Crising, the southwest monsoon, and a low pressure area. Over 1.26 million people were affected in all regions except Eastern Visayas.
As of July 21, the AFP had deployed 33 disaster response and search-and-rescue teams, comprising 316 personnel. More than 12,900 troops are on standby, supported by hundreds of land, sea, and air assets nationwide.
