VFA to boost PH-US cooperation amid Covid-19: Army chief

He said the PA would continue to work with its US counterparts, particularly in training and capacity-building, to maintain mutual combat readiness and interoperability between the services.  (File Photo: Philippine Army/Facebook)

MANILA – Philippine Army (PA) commander, Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay, on Thursday welcomed the government’s decision to suspend the abrogation of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the United States as the accord would help the country’s ongoing efforts to contain the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

“The PA welcomes the decision to suspend the abrogation of the Visiting Forces Agreement, which will spur the continuance of mutual defense and cooperation between the two countries, especially in our humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts in connection with the Covid-19 pandemic,” Gapay said in a press statement.

He said the PA would continue to work with its US counterparts, particularly in training and capacity-building, to maintain mutual combat readiness and interoperability between the services.

“Learning from each other as we demonstrate resolve in the protection of our territory,” he added.

The abrogation of the VFA with the US has been suspended upon President Rodrigo Duterte’s instruction, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. said Tuesday night.

Locsin posted on Twitter a diplomatic note dated June 1 to the US Embassy in Manila and said Washington has received it “well at that.”

The VFA, established in 1999, provides a framework for a defense forces cooperation that allows joint exercises between the Philippines and the US.

Duterte initially threatened to terminate the accord after Washington revoked the US visa of Senator Ronald dela Rosa, the former Philippine National Police chief who implemented the administration’s crackdown on illegal drugs.

The campaign against illegal narcotics had been criticized by the US, with some American lawmakers introducing a Senate resolution castigating the Duterte administration for the deaths related to the program.

The agreement was originally set to be revoked 180 days after the Philippine government officially sent the notice of its termination to the US Embassy on February 11.