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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider US Indo-Pacific commander's PH visit pushes through despite AFP Chief's condition

US Indo-Pacific commander's PH visit pushes through despite AFP Chief's condition

Published Aug 24, 2021 07:20 am

A top United States military officer traveled to the Philippines Monday, Aug. 23, to reaffirm the US government's commitment to the alliance with our country and in honor of the 70th anniversary of the signing of the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT).

Admiral John Aquilino, commander for US Indo-Pacific Command, visits Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Aug. 23, 2021. (Photo by Armed Forces of the Philippines)

Admiral John Aquilino, commander for the United States Indo-Pacific Command, met with Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Inspector General Lt. Gen. Franco Nemesio Gacal, and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. to discuss deepening Washington's bilateral ties to Manila and the Indo-Pacific region.

Noticeably, Gacal represented AFP Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Faustino Jr. who is in self-isolation after testing positive for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Nonetheless, Aquilino underscored the importance of the US' commitment to assist the Philippines and the Indo-Pacific region in its shared security needs.

“Our alliance represents the mutual trust that is central to our enduring friendship, and this trust is a necessity in order to confront the security challenges in this theater,” Aquilino said.

“Both of our nations have made it clear that we are committed to the Alliance, and that we remain prepared to fight alongside and defend each other using all of our capabilities to preserve the region’s peace and stability," he added.

Meanwhile, Gacal said the AFP values the signing of Mutual Defense Treaty between the two countries which he described as "the birth of our defense alliance."

"This occasion is an opportunity to advance our mutual security interests and manifests both our Armed Forces’ commitment to the alliance even in the midst of challenges brought by the pandemic," Gacal said.

Signed on August 30, 1951, the MDT is an accord which states that both the US and Philippines will support each other in case of an attack on each country’s territory, armed forces, public vessels or aircraft from a third-party country.

The trip marks Aquilino's first visit to the country as commander for US Indo-Pacific Command.

However, he previously visited as commander for US Navy Pacific Fleet in August 2018, meeting with Lorenzana and other defense officials to discuss opportunities to increase military cooperation.

Related Tags

Department of National Defense (DND) 8242021 admiral john aquilino us indopacom indo-pacific Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)
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