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Philippine Army bolsters external defense with US Army cooperation

Philippines

Philippine Army bolsters external defense with US Army cooperation

By Trixee Rosel

At A Glance

The Philippine Army (PA) is bolstering its external defense posture through expanded cooperation with the United States Army on joint operations and maritime security.
Nafarrete meets US Army I Corps chief in Fort Bonifacio.
Talks cover logistics, intelligence, engineering, and maritime security.
Joint drills strengthen coordination and unit capabilities.

Army Chief Lt. Gen. Antonio G. Nafarrete and US Army I Corps Commanding General Lt. Gen. Matthew McFarlane reaffirm defense cooperation during a courtesy call at the Philippine Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, on Aug. 27, 2025. (Photo courtesy of PA)

Army Chief Lt. Gen. Antonio G. Nafarrete and US Army I Corps Commanding General Lt. Gen. Matthew McFarlane reaffirm defense cooperation during a courtesy call at the Philippine Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, on Aug. 27, 2025. (Photo courtesy of PA)

The Philippine Army (PA) is bolstering its external defense posture through expanded cooperation with the United States Army on joint operations and maritime security.

Army Chief Lt. Gen. Antonio G. Nafarrete received US Army I Corps Commanding General Lt. Gen. Matthew McFarlane and 6th Battalion, 5th Security Force Assistance Brigade (6/5SFAB) Commanding Officer Lt. Col. James Acevedo in separate courtesy calls at the Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, on Thursday, Aug. 27.

In his meeting with McFarlane, Nafarrete reaffirmed the alliance with the US and identified areas of cooperation in sustainment, intelligence, logistics, and engineering support.

He also sought closer coordination with the US Army’s 1st Multi-Domain Task Force on maritime domain awareness, bilateral operations, and training.

Acevedo, meanwhile, underscored the gains from Exercise SALAKNIB, Warfighting Function Exchanges, and BALIKATAN, saying these activities strengthened unit capabilities and improved coordination.

The engagements, he added, also supported the Army’s shift to external security operations.

Related Tags

Philippine Army United States Army external defense maritime security joint military exercises

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