Foreign military attaches visit Army chief

Photo courtesy of Office of the Army Chief Public Affairs. (PNA Photo)

MANILA — In line with ongoing efforts to strengthen ties with the Philippine Army, members of the Foreign Armed Forces Attaches (FAFA) Corps paid a courtesy call on Army chief, Lt. Gen. Macairog Alberto, at Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City Wednesday.

The visiting FAFA members came from Australia, Brunei, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Spain, United States, Vietnam, Turkey and Germany, Army spokesperson Lt. Col. Louie Villanueva said in a statement.

Defense attachés are military experts attached to a diplomatic mission.

They are normally high-ranking military officers who work for defense and military-related matters in behalf of their state with foreign governments.

“Essentially, the activity was an offshoot of the assumption of Lt. Gen. Alberto of the Philippine Army last October 15, in which, it is customary for all the defense attachés to render a courtesy call to the new Chief,” Villanueva said.

“During the call, the CGPA (Commanding General Philippine Army) together with his key staffs exchanged pleasantries and engaged with some discussions with the members of the defense attaches. The event served as a venue for everyone to personally get acquainted and enhanced further understanding and camaraderie,” Villanueva added.

Alberto, in his message, thanked the group, saying diplomacy is a vital component to Landpower Maneuver Concept, not only to strengthen relationships and ensure peace and stability in the region, but also as a means for everyone to work together in addressing various emerging security and non-traditional challenges.

He said that through continuous collaboration and security engagements, it provided the organization a global perspective and exposure to new technologies and systems, modern and sophisticated solutions to its needs and most importantly, it leads to the sharing of new skills and knowledge, strengthening interoperability and friendship.

“Seeing all of you in person here today makes me feel more motivated, not only to serve my country and people as the Commanding General, but also to work with your respective countries. Through this, we strengthen each other’s capabilities so that we can better fulfill our commitment to the security of our nations,” Alberto added.