Teodoro, Austin tackle means to beef up PH military capabilities

By Priam Nepomuceno, Philippine News Agency

FILE: US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III during a press conference with Defense Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Thursday (Feb. 2, 2023). (PNA photo by Joey O. Razon)

MANILA – The defense chiefs of the Philippines and the United States tackled ways to beef up the capabilities of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

In a statement Friday, the Department of National Defense (DND) said this was among the matters discussed by Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and his American counterpart, Secretary Lloyd Austin III, during a phone conference on Sept. 4.

The DND said this is the eighth time the two defense chiefs “spoke on the phone to discuss security developments in the Indo-Pacific region and explore ways to further enhance the Philippine-US alliance.”

“The call ended with Secretary Teodoro and Secretary Austin discussing ongoing projects and activities that aim to bolster the Philippines-US alliance,” it said.

No other details were provided regarding the specific projects being undertaken by the Philippine and US defense establishments for security reasons.

Teodoro also thanked the US for its commitment to help Manila bolster its defensive capabilities.

“With the successful outcomes of the Philippines’ hosting of the 4th Philippines-US Two-Plus-Two Ministerial Consultations in July 2024, and the recent Mutual Defense Board – Security Engagement Board (MDB-SEB) last week, Secretary Teodoro welcomed the US’ reaffirmation of its steadfast and ironclad commitment to the Philippines,” the DND said.

The DND added that it would closely coordinate with the US on much-needed disaster response, as two more typhoons are expected to enter the country in September.

This came after Washington DC offered to help Manila mitigate the ongoing impact of typhoons and weather disturbances in the Philippines.

“Both officials looked forward to personally engaging each other again in the upcoming ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) – Plus in Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR) in November 2024,” the DND said.