No nuclear, weapons of mass destruction allowed in enhanced defense cooperation -- Defense Department

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 28): No nuclear, weapons of mass destruction allowed in enhanced defense cooperation -- Defense Department

Contrary to claims made by militant groups, the newly-signed Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) between the United States and the Philippines does not give authority to the American forces to bring nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction.

This was disclosed in a EDCA fact sheet released by the Department of National Defense (DND) Monday.

"Prohibition of entry to the Philippines of nuclear weapons, and reference to respective obligations of both Parties under the Chemical Weapons Convention and the Biological Weapons Convention," it added.

The fact sheet also stressed that both parties must express strong commitment to protect the environment, human health and safety; preference for Philippine suppliers of goods, products and service in US military procurement; and, regular consultation on the implementation of the agreement.

Aside from these, other EDCA main features include:

-Clear provision that the US would “not establish a permanent military presence or base in the Philippines;

-US access to and use of designated areas in Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) owned and controlled facilities (“Agreed Locations”) will be at the invitation of the Philippine Government;

-Prior consent of the Philippines, through the Mutual Defense Board (MDB) and Security Engagement Board (SEB), with regard to US access and use of Agreed Locations which may be listed in an annex and further described in implementing arrangements;

-Philippines retention of primary responsibility for security of the Agreed Locations;

-Access of the AFP base commander to the entire area of the Agreed Locations;

-Philippine ownership of buildings and infrastructure once constructed by US military;

-Sharing and joint use of facilities in the Agreed Locations, including those built by the US military;

-Value of prepositioned materiél in the enhancement of AFP defense capabilities and possible transfer or purchase of materiél determined to be excess;

A fact sheet on the EDCA also answered concerned about the return of US bases in the country

"The agreement is very clear on this matter and specifies in the Preamble the Parties’ understanding for the US not to establish a permanent military presence or base in the territory of the Philippines. The EDCA does not authorize the establishment of US bases. It allows the US military access to agreed location," it said.

The EDCA also mandates that before constructions and other activities can be undertaken, prior consent of the Philippines will have to be secured through the MDB and Security Engagement Board (SEB) that were established under the MDT and the VFA.

The AFP base commander will have access to the entire area of the facilities shared with the US military. The Philippines will also own any building and similar infrastructure that will be built by the US military.

Activities to be undertaken under EDCA will likewise have to be approved by the Philippines through the MDB and SEB.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=638620