AFP willing to engage more with Canadian counterparts

By Priam Nepomuceno, Philippine News Agency

COURTESY VISIT. Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. (right) and Canadian Armed Forces chief of defense staff Gen. Marie Annabelle Jennie Carignan pose for a photo during the latter’s courtesy visit in Camp Crame on Wednesday (April 2, 2025). The two officials reaffirmed their commitment to regional peace and security, noting the importance of mutual support in joint operations and training programs. (Photo: Armed Forces of the Philippines/Facebook)

MANILA – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Wednesday expressed its willingness to engage more with its Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) counterparts following the visit of its chief to the AFP headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. welcomed and met with CAF chief of the defense staff Gen. Marie Annabelle Jennie Carignan during the latter’s courtesy call.

During their meeting, Brawner and Carignan reaffirmed their commitment to regional peace and security.

The two officials also noted the importance of mutual support in joint operations and training programs.

“Gen. Brawner also expressed his appreciation for Canada’s ongoing assistance in strengthening the AFP’s capabilities, particularly in capacity-building initiatives. The visit underscored the AFP’s efforts to strengthen its defense ties with like-minded nations, and to solidify its shared commitment to regional peace and security,” the AFP said in a statement.

On March 7, the Department of National Defense (DND) announced that the negotiations for the proposed Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) between the Philippines and Canada successfully concluded.

“This agreement will establish a framework for increased cooperation, fostering closer collaboration between defense and military establishments, improving interoperability between forces, and facilitating more effective joint exercises and capacity-building activities,” DND spokesperson, Assistant Secretary Arsenio Andolong, said in an earlier statement.

The Philippine delegation was headed by Defense Undersecretary Angelito De Leon while the Canadian side was led by Department of National Defense Assistant Deputy Minister Scott Millar.

“These (negotiations) were supplemented by virtual meetings and inter-agency consultations to ensure that the agreement aligns with both nations’ mutual interests and priorities,” he added.

Formal negotiations began on Jan. 16.

The Philippine negotiation panel included Presidential Commission on Visiting Forces Undersecretary Antonio Habulan Jr.; DND Assistant Secretaries Marita Yoro and Erik Lawrence Dy; Department of Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretaries Jose Victor Chan-Gonzaga and Patrick Chuasoto and Officer-in-Charge Paulo Saret; and Department of Justice Undersecretary Raul Vasquez and Chief State Counsel Dennis Arvin Chan. The Canadian delegation consisted of representatives of the Department of National Defense and Global Affairs Canada.

Following the 75th anniversary of Philippines-Canada diplomatic relations in 2024, the two nations reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties through the conclusion of the SOVFA.

Andolong said this development highlights the Philippines’ commitment to bolstering international partnerships and promoting regional security, ensuring the security and economic prosperity of both countries.

“The Philippines looks forward to the positive impact of the SOVFA, which is expected to contribute to peace, stability, and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. The DND remains committed to working closely with international partners to safeguard national interests and strengthen security efforts in the region,” he said.