‘PH-US alliance solid’

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THE Department of National Defense yesterday (DND) expressed confidence that relations between the Philippines and the United States will continue to flourish under the administration of US President Trump.

The DND made the statement after the Trump administration ordered a freeze of almost all foreign humanitarian, development and security assistance, pending a 90-day review to determine if these are aligned with Trump’s foreign policy agenda.

DND spokesman Arsenio Andolong noted President Marcos Jr’s statement on Tuesday last week, when Trump was sworn into power, that he was looking forward to working closely with the Trump administration.

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Marcos has expressed confidence that the “strong and lasting” alliance of Philippines and US “will continue to uphold our shared vision of prosperity and security in the region.”

“The Department of National Defense is likewise optimistic that the PH-US defense alliance will continue to flourish under the new administration,” said Andolong in a statement.

National Security Council (NSC) Assistant Director General and spokesman Jonathan Malaya said the past US activities in the Philippines are aligned with the policy of President Trump.

“It (review) doesn’t mean that these projects will not continue. It’s just that President Trump wants to make sure that all these are aligned to US foreign policy.

Malaya said US Secretary of the State Marco Rubio has underscored the US’ ironclad commitment to Philippines under the Mutual Defense Treaty, during a recent conversation l with Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo.

“The ironclad commitment really was utilized by the Biden administration so it is now being used by Secretary Marco Rubio. So that really shows the continuity of American support,” said Malaya.

“Both parties also talked about advancing security cooperation, talked about expanding economic ties and deepen access for regional cooperation,” he said.

Malaya also cited the meeting of Teodoro with US National Security Advisor Michael Waltz in Washington. He said the two talked about strengthening the alliance between the two countries.

“If we base our assessment here, it really shows the solid foundation of the US-Philippine alliance,” said Malaya.

“In my opinion, all of the projects that the US are doing here are aligned with US foreign policy, especially the question of does this assistance strengthen the United States or if does it make the united states more secure. I think all of their projects here make the States more secure,” added Malaya.

Andolong quoted Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr as recently saying, “My expectation is that the momentum that is existing at present [will] be continued because we are not only strengthening a relationship but evolving a new ecosystem of security, not only bilaterally but also multilaterally with other countries with shared values like Japan, like Australia.”

He also noted a statement of US ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez, during a consultation with Teodoro. “We are confident that US military assistance will continue including major economic programs. The 90-day suspension is temporary,” Andolong quoted Romualdez as saying.

Andolong said that pending the review, the defense and military establishments will continue with their efforts to improve their capabilities to defend the country’s interests.

“While the review of US assistance is being conducted, the DND and AFP continue to pursue the development of our defense capabilities in accordance with our identified needs and priorities,” he said.

“We remain steadfast in our commitment to perform our mandate to defend our sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction,” added Andolong.

US Pacific Air Forces commander Gen. Kevin Schneider discussed future military training between US and Philippine personnel, during A courtesy call to AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr and Philippine Air Force (PAF) chief Lt. Gen. Arthur Cordura on Tuesday.

“The meeting highlighted the strong and enduring partnership between the two nations, with both leaders expressing appreciation for their ongoing collaboration,” said AFP public affairs chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad of the meeting between Brawner and Schneider,

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“They also discussed the possibility of joint training exercises, particularly in light of the upcoming Balikatan, where the AFP plans to incorporate multi-domain training initiatives,” added Trinidad.

Trinidad said the call underscored the Philippine military’s commitment “to expanding cooperation with international allies to strengthen shared interests and foster peace and stability across the region.”

PAF spokesperson Col. Maria Consuelo Castillo said Cordura and Schneider discussed ways to bolster interoperability of the two air forces and excellence in combined operations.

“They emphasized the importance of joint exercises and training programs in enhancing the operational capabilities of both forces,” said Castillo.

Also discussed during the meeting were information sharing, airman-to-airman talks, and routine maritime cooperative activities, said Castillo.

“The two Air Chiefs also discussed ongoing projects under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), which aim to facilitate cooperation in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, strengthen the country’s defense capabilities, and promote regional security,” said Castillo.

Castillo said Schneider and his delegation are due to visit PAF air bases and EDCA projects in Pampanga, Palawan, Cebu and Cagayan de Oro City.

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