A reported United States missile launch from a civilian airport in Eastern Visayas has drawn sharp criticism from a House lawmaker, who warned that such military activity raises serious concerns over Philippine sovereignty and civilian safety.
Gabriela Women’s Party-list Rep. Sarah Elago questioned the reported launch of a Tomahawk cruise missile from Tacloban City during this year’s Balikatan 2026, particularly the use of a civilian airport as a launch site.
“Hindi target practice ground ang Pilipinas para sa missile ng US. Ang paggamit ng isang sibilyang paliparan bilang launching site ng sandata ay tahasang paglapastangan sa ating soberanya at naglalagay sa panganib sa mamamayan,” she said.
According to reports, the missile was fired shortly after midnight using the US Typhon mid-range capability system and struck a designated target in Laur, Nueva Ecija, hundreds of kilometers away.
Elago called for an independent investigation into the incident, including who authorized the launch and under what conditions Philippine territory was used for the operation.
She also warned that the presence of such missile systems in the country could increase the risk of the Philippines being drawn into conflicts among major powers, citing their long-range strike capabilities.
The missile launch formed part of a live-fire activity under the Balikatan exercises. According to Dennis Hernandez, the strike supported a simulated land-based operation and involved a single Tomahawk missile that successfully hit its intended impact area at Fort Magsaysay.
Elago reiterated her call for accountability from both Philippine and US authorities, emphasizing the need to safeguard national sovereignty and public safety.