The Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) has strongly denied circulating claims on social media about the supposed establishment of an Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) site in Davao City.
In a statement, EastMinCom spokesperson Lt. Col. Ryann Velez clarified that their office has not received any information regarding the creation of such a facility in the area.
Velez emphasized that identifying and designating potential EDCA sites is under the authority of the Department of National Defense, not EastMinCom.
He added that existing military facilities in Eastern Mindanao are sufficient to support ongoing operations, making the establishment of an additional EDCA site unnecessary at this time.
EastMinCom also pointed out that one of the nearest existing EDCA sites in Mindanao is located at Lumbia Air Base in Cagayan de Oro City.
Retired Col. Angel Sumagaysay of the Public Safety and Security Office expressed support for the clarification issued by EastMinCom.
Officials urged the public to be cautious when consuming information on social media, particularly unverified claims that may cause confusion.
They also reminded the public to avoid sharing unconfirmed reports to prevent the spread of misinformation.
Authorities reiterated that accurate information regarding national defense matters should come from official sources.
The clarification comes amid the continued circulation of posts online suggesting that a new EDCA site was being planned in Davao City.
