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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider US defense chief eyes enhanced counter-terror, HADR ties with PH

US defense chief eyes enhanced counter-terror, HADR ties with PH

Published Feb 1, 2023 03:40 pm

United States Department of Defense (DoD) Secretary Lloyd Austin III sought to establish a stronger cooperation between the US and Philippines militaries, particularly in the fields of counter-terrorism and humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) operations.

United States Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III (middle) visits the headquarters of the Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) in Zamboanga City on Feb 1, 2023. He is welcomed by (L-R) Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff, Gen. Andres Centino and WestMinCom Commander, Lt. Gen. Roy Galido. (Photo: WestMinCom)

This was stressed by a ranking military officer from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) during the visit of Austin to the headquarters of the Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) in Calarian, Zamboanga City on Wednesday morning, Feb. 1.

Austin was welcomed by AFP Chief of Staff, Gen. Andres Centino; Philippine Navy (PN) Flag Officer in Command, Vice Adm. Toribio Adaci Jr.; WestMinCom commander, Lt. Gen. Roy Galido; and reprentatives from the Philippine Air Force (PAF) around 11:30 a.m.

“We discussed the visit of their troops here in Mindanao and our working relationship with them which is very strong,” Galido said.

“They are here to help us in our mission especially in counter-terrorism and HADR. That’s what was emphasized,” he added.

(Photo: WestMinCom)

Galido said the commitment made by Austin to boost the ties between the two countries’ militaries was in adherence to the obligations of both countries under the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT).

The MDT is a 1951 accord between Manila and Washington which states that both nations would support each other if there is an attack from an external party.

Austin then held a conference with Centino, Galido, and other ranking officers of the WestMinCom before he proceeded to check on the personnel of the Joint Special Operations Team of the command.

Austin headed back to Manila at 1:19 p.m. for his next schedule.

Related Tags

Lloyd Austin III United States DND westmincom DoD 2012023 Department of Defense
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