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MANILA, Philippines — Former Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Carlos Zarate has opposed proposals to establish an Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (Edca) site in Surigao del Norte, saying it will only undermine the country’s sovereignty.

Zarate said this on Friday in response to Surigao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Robert Ace Barbers’ renewed appeal for an Edca site in his hometown, based on the latter’s fears that the country’s eastern seaboard may be vulnerable to smugglers and foreign intruders.

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Zarate, however, said there may be “long-term consequences on the country’s sovereignty, peace, and development” if an Edca site rises in the province.

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“The EDCA sites undermine our country’s sovereignty. The presence of foreign troops and facilities could escalate regional tensions and drag the Philippines into conflicts that are not our own,” Zarate said in a statement.

“It is pure bad fiscal management, that PhilHealth’s policy to continue expanding its treasury operations even as its payables to individuals and hospitals are mounting,” think tank GlobalSource Partners said.

Zarate believes the way forward should be strengthening the Philippine Coast Guard capabilities and improving the military’s surveillance technology.

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He also said the discovery of a submarine drone suspected to belong to China and the sailing of the United States’ Carrier Strike Group One led by USS Carl Vinson between Leyte and Mindanao should only propel the government to have an independent defense strategy.

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READ: West PH Sea: Philippines recovers suspected Chinese submarine drone

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“The illegal December 26 sailing of the US Carrier Strike Group One, led by USS Carl Vinson, between Leyte and Mindanao, and the recent recovery of a submarine drone allegedly from China in Masbate, underscores the need for a robust and independent defense strategy, not one relying on foreign powers,” he said.

“Strengthening our coast guard capabilities, improving surveillance technology, and fostering diplomatic solutions with neighboring countries should be prioritized over foreign military basing,” he added.

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Barbers reiterated his appeal for an Edca site on Thursday after reports of the submarine drone being recovered in waters off Masbate province — just nine kilometers off the coast of San Pascual town.

According to the lawmaker, it is not a far-fetched idea that China is doing research and intel gathering about deuterium, a hydrogen isotope commonly used in experimental fusion-type nuclear reactors.

“With the growing global race to find renewal sources of fuel or energy like deuterium, which reportedly is found abundant in the deep seas in the country’s eastern seaboard, it is not far-fetched that China also wanted to get a hand on it,” he said.

READ: Barbers appeals again for Edca site in Surigao del Norte

But Zarate maintained that there has been no proof that Edca sites have benefitted local communities.

“Instead of bringing genuine development, these bases exacerbate economic inequality, displace communities, and lead to environmental degradation. The eastern seaboard of the Philippines faces vulnerabilities, but further militarization is not the answer,” he said.

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“Mindanao deserves genuine development, not militarization risks. We call on Filipinos to remain vigilant and assertive in protecting our sovereignty. Let’s work towards a truly independent foreign policy prioritizing Filipino interests over foreign agendas,” he added.

Last March 19, Barbers already raised the need for an Edca site in Surigao del Norte, saying that while building a naval detachment in Aurora province is important to secure Benham Rise, the country’s defense establishment should also defend the southeastern seaboard.

As of now, 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.

In April 2023, Malacañang named four new Edca sites: Camilo Osias Naval Base in Sta. Ana town and Lal-lo Airport in Lal-lo town, both in Cagayan province; Camp Melchor dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela province; and Balabac, the southernmost island in Palawan.

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