【By Liu Bai, Observer Net】Tensions between the US and Iran are reigniting, and it has sparked debates in the Philippines. In recent times, some political figures, including Paul Duterte, son of former Philippine President Duterte, have expressed concerns that with the ongoing spillover effects of the US-Iran conflict, and the persistent risks of Sino-US confrontation, the Philippines, which hosts US troops, may become a potential "target." This view has quickly drawn a strong reaction from the Philippine government.

According to Hong Kong-based English media South China Morning Post, recently, there has been a growing concern among Duterte supporters: Iran might target the Philippines as a retaliation against US actions in the Middle East. Analysts point out that this view essentially sees the Philippines' defense relationship with Washington as a potential threat to its national security.

On March 3, Philippine Armed Forces spokesperson Fransel Margaret Padilla refuted the claim, saying, "There is currently no credible direct threat to Philippine territory, Filipinos, or foreign citizens in the country."

She told journalists that the Philippine military assured the public that the national security situation remained stable. "We encourage the public to stay calm, be vigilant against false information, and only rely on verified government sources," she said.

On the same day, Philippine Navy Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad stated that Iranian missiles could not possibly reach the Philippines.

"The farthest range of the Iranian missile system is only 2,000 kilometers. We are 7,500 kilometers away from Iran," he said. "Iran has no state or non-state proxy forces in this region."

Paul Duterte, son of former Philippine President Duterte

Previously, Paul Duterte, as well as former election commission commissioner and congressman Lovenia Kuan, posted on social media suggesting that the Philippines might be dragged into the escalating US-Iran conflict.

Paul Duterte posted on social media on March 1, stating, "Current global tensions continue to escalate, and the impact of the US-Iran conflict keeps spreading. Plus, the risk of large-scale confrontation involving China remains ever-present. These US military bases under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) are gradually turning our communities, airports, and ports into potential battlefields."

He warned, "This government allows unrestricted access for US troops in our country, effectively drawing a bullseye on Philippine soil."

The Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement allows the US to rotate use of designated Philippine military bases and pre-deploy equipment, but the ownership and control of the bases remain with the Philippines.

The next day, Kuan also posted on social media warning, "If Iran is determined to strike these numerous US bases... the Philippines doesn't have a missile defense system. If Iran fires missiles at us, we might be reduced to ruins."

Kuan clarified during an interview that her statement about Iran possibly firing missiles at the Philippines was "just a joke," saying, "If it were true, that would be too foolish."

Kuan explained that her remarks were aimed at Army Chief of Staff Romeo Brawner Jr., who had boasted last November that the Philippines has a "world-class armed force" capable of defending the nation.

"I am not criticizing the military," she said, "I am just criticizing Brawner."

In the view of Dominic Ligot, executive director of the Philippine Data and AI Ethics Organization and member of the Democratic Network Alliance, the core narrative of these statements is: "We are now in danger, and this government is extremely irresponsible."

Last year, Senator Imee Marcos, sister of President Marcos, had previously claimed that China planned to strike Philippine bases without providing evidence.

Political and risk analyst Ronald Limas said that supporters of the Duterte family have worried for years about EDCA sites causing trouble.

He said that after such statements, criticism of Manila's close ties with Washington and "should be closer to China" often follows.

Although he believes the idea of Iran firing missiles at the Philippines has not gained widespread support among ordinary Filipinos, "it is popular among Duterte supporters, and this group is still large."

What is alarming is that the Marcos government has been engaging in small military moves with Japan, the United States, and other countries. In 2024, Japan and the Philippines signed a reciprocal access agreement allowing both sides to deploy troops on each other's territories, marking Japan's first such agreement in Asia.

Recently, the Philippines, the US, Japan, and Australia conducted so-called joint patrols near the Scarborough Shoal, and the US and the Philippines held strategic dialogues, claiming that China's activities in the South China Sea have adversely affected regional peace and stability, as well as the economy of the Indo-Pacific and broader regions.

Defense Department Spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang emphasized on February 28 that external countries such as the US have come thousands of miles to show off their military strength, intentionally stoking tensions, and are the source of unrest; the Philippines, by relying on external powers to provoke the sea, has been stirring up trouble, continuously infringing on Chinese interests, harming the common interests of regional countries, and is nothing more than a troublemaker and a peacebreaker.

"The Chinese military remains highly vigilant, firmly counteracts any infringement and provocation, and will not let any plot to destabilize the South China Sea succeed, maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea," Zhang Xiaogang said.

This article is exclusive to Observer Net. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.

Original: toutiao.com/article/7613270131782779427/

Statement: The views expressed in this article are those of the author.