Malacañang on Monday said there is no verified direct threat to Philippine territory amid statements from Iran about striking American military bases, clarifying that sites under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) are Philippine facilities and not US bases.
Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said questions regarding possible military strikes should be directed to the Department of National Defense but read an official statement from the National Security Council clarifying the status of EDCA locations.
“There are no American military bases in the Philippines. The sites referred to under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) are Philippine military bases that remain under the full ownership, control and management of the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” the NSC said.
The council added it is coordinating with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the DND, and other agencies to closely monitor developments in the Middle East.
“At this time, tensions remain confined to the region and there is no verified direct threat to Philippine territory, including our military facilities. We urge the public to remain calm, exercise discernment, and be vigilant against disinformation,” the council said.
The DND echoed this position following calls from Senator Erwin Tulfo to review the EDCA.
DND spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arsenio Andolong said the agency respects the Senate’s oversight role and will cooperate with lawmakers, but emphasized that the Philippines is not a participant in the conflict.
“As such, there is no credible direct threat to the Philippines or facilities therein,” Andolong said, noting that Iran’s recent attacks were directed at US facilities in countries with which it shares maritime or land borders.
He noted that the Philippines poses no threat to Iran and clarified that EDCA sites are Philippine facilities.
“They do not belong to the US nor are they being used to launch or stage assaults against another country. They are for joint training, humanitarian assistance and disaster response, and the defense and security of our country,” he said.
Andolong added that EDCA sites play an important role in the capacity and capability building of the AFP, and cited President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as saying the sites “will not be used for offensive action.”
The Philippine National Police likewise said it has not monitored any direct or specific threat to the country amid fears of possible spillover of violence due to the escalating conflict in the Middle East.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the situation abroad has not posed a direct danger to the Philippines, but police remain in close coordination with relevant agencies and stakeholders to ensure readiness in safeguarding key establishments.
“We have not detected a credible threat but our personnel remain vigilant and proactive. The situation is being monitored and we are in close coordination with other government agencies on this matter,” he said.
Nartatez directed all PNP units to maintain vigilance and continue standard security measures, including intelligence gathering and cyber monitoring.
“Our intelligence units are actively monitoring any possible spillover effects, including terror threats or radicalization. We are keeping an eye on any developments that may affect internal security,” he said.
Police visibility has been increased in key urban centers, transport hubs, and vital installations, with random security inspections conducted nationwide in coordination with local police units.
