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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider AFP: Mutual Defense Treaty among pillars of PH nat'l security

AFP: Mutual Defense Treaty among pillars of PH nat'l security

Published Aug 30, 2023 08:07 am
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Military personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and United States Armed Forces train together during the Exercise Balikatan. (MANILA BULLETIN photo)

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) recognized the importance of the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) between the Philippines and United States as both countries commemorated the 72nd anniversary of the signing of the agreement on Wednesday, August 30.

Col. Medel Aguilar, AFP spokesperson, said the MDT “is one of the pillars of our national security.”

“The mechanisms under it shall continue to be implemented to further enhance the capability of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to perform its constitutional duty of protecting our national sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Aguilar said.

The MDT was signed by the Philippines and US governments in Washington on Aug. 30, 1951.

It contains eight articles which dictate that both countries shall come to the defense of the other if any of them is to be attacked by a third-party nation.

“Each Party recognizes that an armed attack in the Pacific area on either of the Parties would be dangerous to its own peace and safety and declares that it would act to meet the common dangers in accordance with its constitutional processes,” Article IV of MDT read.

The accord has since became the foundation of the defense cooperation between the two countries as both its security forces train together and continue to strengthen their capabilities.

Relatedly, the US government reiterated its commitment to help the country especially amid the growing tension in the West Philippine Sea.

US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson said the US government stands firm in its ironclad commitment to the alliance and partnership with the Philippines “as we face new and continuing challenges.”

Last August 8, US Defense Secretary Austin Lloyd III emphasized that the MDT covers any attack on Philippine vessels, aircraft, armed forces, and even coast guard in the Pacific area, including the South China Sea.

This, after the China Coast Guard fired a water cannon at Philippine vessels that were delivering supplies to Filipino troops in Ayungin Shoal on August 5.

Ayungin Shoal is located in the West Philippine Sea but China is also claiming the area as part of its territory.

Related Tags

defense cooperation Mutual Defense Treaty AFP PH-US
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