Anti-war advocate Ben Tiu Contreras has sounded the alarm over the potential risks posed by the presence of nine Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites in the Philippines, including the Lumbia Airbase in Cagayan de Oro.
He warned that escalating tensions in the Middle East should serve as a lesson for the Asia-Pacific region, particularly the Philippines, which could become vulnerable due to the presence of foreign military assets on its soil.
Contreras stressed that, just as countries with military bases in the Middle East have become targets of retaliatory attacks, the Philippines could face similar dangers if conflict erupts between Taiwan and China.
He urged both the government and the public to remain vigilant and prepare for the possible security and economic repercussions of hosting EDCA sites. Contreras underscored the importance of awareness and preparedness to minimize harm to civilians and critical infrastructure.
His call highlights the urgent need to take regional tensions seriously and to craft proactive strategies that will protect the nation from being drawn into conflicts beyond its borders.
