U.S. Pacific Air Force chief to visit EDCA sites

The United States Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) commander will visit some Enhanced Development Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites during his three-day visit to the Philippines.

Philippine Air Force (PAF) spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo said PACAF commander Gene. Kevin Schneider and his staff will visit the Cesar Basa Air Base, Benito Ebuen Air Base in Cebu, and Lumbia Airport in Cagayan de Oro City.

Castillo said the visit aimed to strengthen bilateral relations and cooperation between both air forces.

“Because EDCA sites are really important for the Philippines and the United States as well,” she added.

The government earlier named four locations as additional EDCA sites, including newly agreed-upon locations of EDCA facilities: Naval Base Camilo Osias in Sta Ana, Cagayan; Lal-lo Airport in Lal-lo, Cagayan; Camp Melchor dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela; and Balabac Island in Palawan.

Schneider’s visit to the Philippines follows the recent stoppage of the US’ current and future foreign assistance worldwide.

The US previously allocated over $82 million for infrastructure investments at the existing five sites under the EDCA.

Meanwhile, military spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said all military engagements with their US counterparts will continue.

“For the side of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, we have long-standing partnerships with the US and we continue with our partnership programs moving forward,” Padilla said.

“At this point, sir, in terms of our preparations, it’s still business as usual,” she added.

AFP: Balikatan to proceed

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) confirmed that all military engagements with the United States will continue as planned, despite Washington’s recent decision to pause foreign assistance.

AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla assured that the military’s scheduled activities with the US, including the annual Balikatan (shoulder-to-shoulder) exercises, will proceed without interruption.

“For the Armed Forces of the Philippines, we have long-standing partnerships with the US, and we will continue with our partnership programs as planned,” Padilla said during a press conference.

She emphasized, “At this point, it’s business as usual in terms of our preparations,” adding, “There’s no dialing down at this point.”

The announcement follows US President Donald Trump’s order for a 90-day pause on foreign development assistance while his administration reviews its foreign aid policies. The US State Department also issued a “stop-work” order for all existing foreign aid and suspended new foreign assistance worldwide.