AFP coordinates with allies for EDCA use in disaster response

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is coordinating with international partners, including the United States Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM), for possible use of Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) facilities and other allied assets in the country’s ongoing disaster response operations, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said Tuesday. 

Teodoro, who also chairs the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), emphasized the critical role of international defense cooperation in supporting local response efforts to the devastating floods caused by Tropical Depression Crising and intensified southwest monsoon rains.

“Dito po makikita ng ating mga kababayan ang benepisyo ng pakikipag-ugnayan ng mga armed forces para makaligtas ang ating mga kababayan laban sa mga hamon ng kalikasan (Here, our fellow Filipinos will see the benefits of the armed forces' coordination efforts in helping our people survive the challenges brought by nature),” Teodoro said from Washington, D.C., where he is accompanying the  President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in a three-day US visit. 

Aside from US cooperation, Teodoro said the Philippines is also coordinating with other key allied nations, such as Japan, to ensure the swift delivery of aid and strengthen the country’s emergency capabilities during these trying times. 

He further noted that Marcos remains fully engaged in overseeing the Philippine government’s disaster response to the heavy flooding, saying the President is actively monitoring the situation back home.

“Umasa po kayo na 24/7 po nakatutok ang ating Pangulo dito po sa Amerika,” Teodoro said, affirming that the President is on top of response efforts even while attending high-level meetings abroad.

Marcos is in Washington for a three-day official visit that includes talks with U.S. President Donald Trump and other American officials. Despite the official engagements, Teodoro said the President had made it clear that all necessary resources must be mobilized to support communities affected by severe rainfall and flooding over the weekend.

Tropical Depression Crising, intensified by the southwest monsoon, caused heavy downpours across Metro Manila and surrounding provinces, prompting the suspension of classes and government work since Monday.

Teodoro, who also chairs the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), said the government’s disaster response systems are fully operational. 

He highlighted the role of the Inter-Agency Coordinating Cell, which is acting as the central command for rescue, relief, and logistics operations.

“Sinusubukan po natin hindi lang po sagutin ang mga pangangailangan ng ating mga nasalanta, kung hindi anticipate ang mga susunod pa na kinakailangan gawin (We are not only responding to immediate needs of those affected, but we’re also anticipating what will be needed in the coming days,” he added.