MANILA, Philippines, March 1, 2026 — The Gabriela Women’s Party has urged the Philippine government to withdraw from the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) with the United States, warning that continued participation could drag the country into escalating tensions between the U.S., Israel, and Iran.

Gabriela National President and former lawmaker Arlene Brosas condemned the recent joint airstrikes carried out by the United States and Israel against Iran, calling them a violation of international law and a threat to regional stability. 

“The joint US–Israel attack on Iran is a dangerous act of military aggression that will inflict more hardships to the Iranian people,” Brosas said in a statement.

She added that such unilateral actions, justified by “unverified claims of security threats,” risk plunging millions of civilians into deeper insecurity and suffering. 

Gabriela stressed that the Philippines must not be entangled in foreign military conflicts, especially through agreements like EDCA that allow U.S. forces access to Philippine bases.

The group emphasized that the country’s sovereignty and safety should be prioritized, warning that the presence of U.S. military assets in the Philippines could make it a potential target in the event of wider hostilities. 

Gabriela called on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to scrap EDCA and pursue an independent foreign policy that shields the nation from external wars.

The appeal comes amid growing fears that the U.S.-Israel confrontation with Iran could escalate into a broader regional conflict, raising concerns about its impact on global security and energy supplies. 

For Gabriela, distancing the Philippines from EDCA is a crucial step to ensure that Filipinos are not caught in the crossfire of geopolitical rivalries.

Image from Gabriela Women's Party