Geopolitical analyst Prof. Anna Malindog-Uy has voiced concern over the sudden presence of American soldiers at Lumbia Air Base in Cagayan de Oro, one of the sites under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).
Speaking in an interview with Bombo Radyo, Uy noted that while the deployment was officially described as part of humanitarian and disaster response training, questions remain due to the lack of transparency about the true purpose of the activity.
She pointed out that the government has yet to provide clear explanations on why U.S. troops were deployed without prior notice and why media access to the training has been restricted. Uy emphasized that the timing of the deployment coincides with heightened tensions in the Middle East, particularly the conflict between Israel and Iran, raising further security concerns for the region.
She warned that EDCA sites could increasingly be perceived as U.S. facilities, potentially positioning the Philippines as a “front-line state” in advancing American interests in Asia.
The analyst urged Filipinos, especially residents of Cagayan de Oro, to demand transparency and direct answers from the government regarding the real objectives behind the presence of foreign troops in the country.
