MANILA – The National Security Council (NSC) on Wednesday (03 July 2024) gave an assurance that there is no immediate threat of an attack from China, following Senator Imee Marcos’s claim that over 20 locations in the Philippines are potential targets for Chinese hypersonic missiles.
NSC Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya stated, “We are not aware of any imminent security threats as mentioned by Senator Imee. We will reach out to her for more details.”
Malaya highlighted the progress made during the 9th Bilateral Consultation Meeting between the Philippines and China, emphasizing both nations’ commitment to de-escalate tensions in the West Philippine Sea and improve maritime communications.
“The Philippines and China have reaffirmed their commitment to managing their differences, and we see no immediate threat from the People’s Republic of China (PRC),” Malaya added.
Senator Marcos, who is President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s sister, had raised concerns about a potential Chinese missile attack on 25 locations, including Batanes and Ilocos. This alleged threat was linked to the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) with the United States, which allows American military access to Philippine bases to bolster defense cooperation.
In February 2023, President Marcos expanded U.S. access to four additional Philippine military sites under the EDCA, adding to the existing five bases. The newly included sites are Naval Base Camilo Osias in Sta. Ana, Cagayan; Lal-lo Airport in Cagayan; Camp Melchor Dela Cruz in Isabela; and Balabac Island in Palawan.
The five original EDCA sites are Basa Air Base in Pampanga, Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija, Lumbia Air Base in Cagayan de Oro, Antonio Bautista Air Base in Palawan, and Mactan Benito Ebuen Air Base in Cebu.
(el Amigo/mnm)
