Lawmaker seeks probe into US missile system in Ilocos Norte

MANILA, Philippines — A resolution seeking to investigate the deployment of the United States (US) midrange missile system in Ilocos Norte and its implication on the Philippines’ national sovereignty and regional security has been filed before the House of Representatives.

Gabriela party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas filed House Resolution 1796 on Tuesday to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deployed United States’ Typhon Mid-Range Capability (MRC).

In a Facebook post on July 4, the US Army Pacific Command confirmed the presence and use of the missile system during the bilateral army drills called Salaknib (shield in Ilocano) last June 27 in a military base in Laoag City.

Based on previous reports, the Typhon MRC missile system — capable of firing Tomahawk and SM-6 missiles — arrived in the country on April 11 and was also used during the Balikatan exercises. 

The resolution pointed out that “foreign military bases, troops, or facilities shall not be allowed in the Philippines except under a treaty duly concurred in by the Senate and, when the Congress so requires, ratified by a majority of the votes cast by the people in a national referendum held for that purpose, and recognized as a treaty by the other contracting State,” as stated in Article 18, Section 25 of the Constitution.

It added that the deployment of this missile system “has raised concerns from other countries, with Russian President Vladimir Putin citing it as a reason for Russia to resume production of intermediate and shorter-range nuclear-capable missiles.”

“The presence of such advanced weaponry on Philippine soil may escalate tensions in the region and potentially compromise the country’s neutrality in international conflicts. There is a need to scrutinize the basis and implications of allowing such weapons systems on Philippine territory, especially in light of constitutional provisions on foreign military presence,” Brosas said in the resolution. 

“There is a need to abrogate the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement between the US and the Philippines that allows increased US military presence and facilitates entry into Philippine territory of US vessels and weapons,” she added. 

“[T]he Filipino people have the right to be informed about military activities within the country’s borders, particularly those involving foreign powers, and their potential impact on national security and sovereignty,” she also said.