Defense officials asked to justify 4 new EDCA sites

An American soldier assists a Philippine marine as they conduct a chemical reconnaissance and surveillance exercise during “Kamandag, Cooperation of the Warriors of the Sea," a joint the US-Philippines military exercise in Zambales on Oct. 7, 2022. Basilio H. Sepe, ABS-CBN News/file MANILA — Some senators and local government executives on Wednesday sought explanation from Defense officials regarding its plan to construct 4 more military bases under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) between the Philippines and the United States. During the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations hearing led by Sen. Imee Marcos, officials from the Department of National Defense…