Two lawmakers in Surigao Del Norte have recommended to consider their province as a possible Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) site, citing "distinct advantage" for the United States (US) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Surigao Del Norte Representative Robert Ace Barbers and Governor Lyndon Barbers said their province have an "advantage" as one of the EDCA sites since it faces the Pacific Sea where ships can cross.

Barbers said that the ships can traverse the country from east to west and vice versa without the need to circle around, which is a very strategic benefit.

The two lawmakers invited the military officials to inspect the province which is located in the northern part of Mindanao.

Moreover, they said that the EDCA site would not only benefit Surigao del Norte but the entire Eastern Region of Visayas and Mindanao.