By Gabriel Kim Leal
(February 7, 2025) – A lawmaker on Friday criticized the “unauthorized military surveillance” by the United States (US) in Mindanao after the crash of a US Department of Defense-contracted aircraft in Maguindanao del Sur.
It was reportedly conducting intelligence operations requested by the Philippines on Thursday when it nosedived into a field, killing all four people on board.
Gabriela Party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas claimed that it was an intrusion into the Philippines’ affairs.
“The crash incident has exposed the alarming truth about unauthorized US military surveillance activities in Mindanao. These operations, along with the presence of military contractors, represent a serious breach of our national sovereignty,” said Brosas in a statement.
She linked it to long-standing agreements between the Philippines and the US like the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) and the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA). She alleged that these have effectively turned parts of Mindanao into de facto US military outposts.
The EDCA, signed in 2014 under the administration of the late former president Noynoy Aquino III, allows the US to build military facilities. Meanwhile, the VFA, enacted in 1998, outlines the guidelines for conducting joint exercises, humanitarian missions, and other activities in the Philippines.
Brosas called for an immediate congressional inquiry into the incident in Maguindanao del Sur.
“We will be filing a House resolution calling for an investigation on these unauthorized US surveillance operations,” added Brosas. “Hindi puwedeng hayaan na lang natin ang ganitong lantarang panghihimasok sa ating teritoryo.”
Last November, the Philippines and the US signed the General Security of Military Information Agreement, allowing both countries to exchange classified military information. It also gave the Philippines access to advanced US technologies, including missile systems, satellites, and drones.
Pres. Bongbong Marcos Jr. has repeatedly affirmed the Philippines’ alliance with the US, while new US secretary of state Marco Rubio reaffirmed their “ironclad” partnership with the country.
(PM)
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