Demonstrations against EDCA erupt in the Philippines as Muslim groups chant “Get the U.S. out of the Philippines”

On April 28, the ninth anniversary of the U.S.-Philippine Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), demonstrations erupted across the Philippines, with dozens of representatives from cotabato local governments, churches, youth and women’s groups rallying in the central plaza to demand the repeal of the EDCA and chant “Get the U.S. out of the Philippines.

Timoay Alim Bandara, the top leader of an indigenous tribal group in Mindanao, called on residents to stand up against EDCA, saying they do not need U.S. protection and demanding that the U.S. get out.

 

The Philippine and U.S. governments recently decided to provide four additional Philippine military bases for use by U.S. forces under the EDCA, one of which is located in Isabela, cagayan province. Dozens of local representatives expressed their displeasure through a drive-by parade with “stop EDCA” signs on their vehicles. Dozens of local representatives expressed their displeasure through a drive-by parade with “stop EDCA” signs.