Governor: Possible EDCA site in Cagayan identified, maintains his opposition

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 24) — Authorities have identified two possible areas in Cagayan where a new Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) site may be located, Gov. Manuel Mamba said Friday, while continuing to oppose hosting the facility.

“They identified two sites in Cagayan, but I am not at liberty, I want to keep my word, I am not at liberty because according to them it is the president [Ferdinand Marcos Jr.] who will announce this,” Mamba told CNN Philippines’ The Source.

On March 22, Marcos said the Philippines and United States identified the four new EDCA sites, which will be announced after further discussions. 

The president also said his administration already spoke to local officials who initially opposed the plan. After the talks, it appears they are now more receptive to the idea, he added.

Mamba, one of those who had reservations, said he will comply with the national government’s decision.

“Since this is the president’s call, of course I succumbed to that, but I do not agree with it and I continue my opposition,” he said.

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The Cagayan governor noted that since the idea was floated, he was not consulted or given a formal letter about the building of EDCA sites. He said he only knew about the plan through the news.

Asked why he continues to oppose the idea, Mamba said he does not want history to repeat itself.

He cited Japan's surprise aerial attack on the naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii in 1941. That prompted the United States to declare war against Japan.