MANILA, Philippines — The Department of National Defense (DND) on Friday disclosed that Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr, and his United States counterpart Lloyd Austin, discussed, for the eighth time, security developments in the Indo-Pacific region, exploring ways to enhance Philippine-US alliance.
In a statement, Defense Information Director Arsenio Andolong said that both secretaries had a phone call last September 4 and tackled matters regarding security outlook.
Recently, the Philippines and the US held a conference on the Mutual Defense Board-Security Engagement Board (MDB-SEB) in Baguio City where both nations tackled the importance of the treaty in connection to the security of both nations in the Asia-Pacific region.
The two secretaries also discussed the successful outcomes of the Philippine’s hosting of the 4th PH-US Two-Plus-Two Ministerial Consultation in July 2024.
Teodoro also discussed the recent devastation brought about by Tropical Storm “Enteng” to the Philippines, leaving 16 people dead, and widespread damage in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.
“Teodoro conveyed that the DND will closely coordinate with the US on much-needed disaster response assistance,” Andolong said.
At the Two-Plus-Two meeting, Austin assured Philippine officials of US support for humanitarian assistance during disasters.
Andolong said 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.
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