By Sam Ramos
Surigao del Norte 2nd District Representative Robert Ace Barbers has reiterated his call for the establishment of an Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) naval site in the province following the reported sighting of Chinese vessels operating within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Barbers, who chairs the House Committee on Dangerous Drugs, highlighted the strategic importance of Surigao del Norte, which faces the Pacific Ocean and connects directly to the West Philippine Sea. He emphasized the need to bolster national defense in the area amid repeated unauthorized activities by foreign vessels.
“Surigao del Norte is uniquely positioned to serve as a vital naval hub. Establishing an EDCA site here is crucial to strengthening our defenses against foreign intrusions and illegal activities,” Barbers said.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported sightings of three Chinese research vessels — Xiang Yang Hong 3, Jia Geng,and Xiang Yang Hong — near Siargao Island on November 20 and near Davao Oriental on November 14. The vessels were suspected of gathering tidal, seabed, and other strategic data without Philippine authorization.
Barbers also pointed out that while the Casiguran EDCA site in Aurora province plays a role in safeguarding the country’s eastern seaboard, the establishment of an additional site in Surigao del Norte would reinforce maritime security.
“An EDCA site in Surigao del Norte would be pivotal in protecting not only our sovereignty but also combating illegal activities such as drug smuggling,” Barbers said.
Currently, five military installations in the Philippines serve 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 lawmaker urged the Department of National Defense to prioritize the establishment of a naval site in Surigao del Norte, stressing the need for proactive measures to safeguard Philippine waters and ensure national security.