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MANILA – Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gregorio Pio Catapang is set to meet a U.S. military official on Monday to discuss the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA)and other mutual concerns.
Catapang and U.S. Pacific Command Chief Admiral Samuel Locklear are scheduled to meet at the annual Mutual Defense Board and Security Engagement Board in Camp Aguinaldo.
Asked about what particular areas of mutual concerns will be discussed, Catapang said: "It's still too early, let's (make the announcement) tomorrow."
Earlier this month, Catapang said they will discuss the EDCA, which Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and U.S. ambassador Philip Goldberg signed last April.
He has also said that areas where U.S. troops will be allowed access are among the things to be discussed.
Military officials already mentioned areas that may be offered for US access — Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija, Oyster Bay in Palawan and Naval Station San Miguel in Zambales.
Oyster Bay and Naval Station San Miguel are both located in front of the disputed waters of the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).
The EDCA will allow U.S. forces to put up facilities inside Philippine military camps for repositioning of American troops and assets.
Some groups have questioned EDCA before the Supreme Court and Catapang said that if the high court gives a favorable decision, they will immediately execute the plans.
Meanwhile, Catapang said he will be sending AFP Vice Chief Lt. Gen. John Bonafos and Western Mindanao Command Chief Lt. Gen. Rustico Guerrero as his representatives at Monday's meeting of the Crisis Management Committee, which is trying to secure hostages held by the Abu Sayyaf Group.
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