By Zaldy De Layola
MANILA – The recent sighting of Chinese vessels in Surigao del Norte prompted a Mindanao lawmaker to renew his call for the establishment of an Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) naval site in the province.
Surigao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Robert Ace Barbers reiterated his concerns over China’s repeated encroachments into the Philippines’ 200-mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Barbers, who chairs the House Committee on Dangerous Drugs and leads the House Quad Committee, condemned the recent activity of Chinese vessels near Siargao Island and Davao Oriental last month.
The vessels operated without authorization from the Philippines.
Citing reports from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), three Chinese vessels — Xiang Yang Hong 3, Jia Geng, and Xiang Yang Hong — were spotted near Siargao Island, suspected of documenting tides, seabed and other strategic data.
“This is exactly why I am urging our government, particularly the Department of National Defense, to establish an EDCA naval site in Surigao del Norte,” Barbers said.
“The province is strategically located facing the Pacific Ocean and is directly connected to the West Philippine Sea, making it a crucial site for national defense.”
Barbers emphasized that Surigao del Norte, with its access to both the Pacific Ocean and the West Philippine Sea, is uniquely positioned to serve as a vital naval hub.
On Saturday, the PCG and the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea tracked the three Chinese vessels approximately 211 nautical miles east of Siargao Island.
The ships had entered the Philippine EEZ on Nov. 20 near Siargao Island and on Nov. 14 near Davao Oriental.
They were previously spotted 257 nautical miles off Sta. Ana, Cagayan on Nov. 17.
“While the Casiguran EDCA site (in Aurora province) plays a critical role in safeguarding the country’s eastern seaboard, it’s not enough. We need another naval site in Surigao del Norte to strengthen our defenses against drug smuggling and foreign intrusions,” Barbers said.
Currently, there are five military installations designated as EDCA sites: Basa Air Base in Pampanga, Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija, Antonio Bautista Air Base in Palawan, Mactan-Benito Ebuen Air Base in Cebu and Lumbia Air Base in Cagayan de Oro.
The four other identified sites are Naval Base Camilo Osias in Santa Ana, Cagayan; Camp Melchor Dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela; Balabac Island in Palawan; and Lal-lo Airport in Cagayan. (PNA)
