PH, allies agree on military drills

MILITARY leaders from countries allied with the Philippines have agreed to enhance defense cooperation through the regular conduct of complex multilateral training exercises in the coming years. On September 13, the planned upscale military drills were discussed and agreed upon by Philippine Army Chief Lt. Gen. Roy Galido, United States Army Pacific (USARPAC) Commanding General Charles Flynn, Lt. Gen. Simon Stuart of the Chief of the Army of Australia, and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) Gen. Yasunori Morishita. The "bonding" event took place at the Victoria Barracks in Melbourne, Australia, said Philippine Army Public Affairs Chief Col. Louie Demaala. Galido also closed ranks with the US Marines III Marine Expeditionary Force Commander Lt. Gen. Roger Turner. The military leaders agreed to enhance cooperation by conducting larger and more complex multilateral training exercises in the coming years. On September 12, Galido strengthened ties with Australia, New Zealand and Republic of Korea armies aimed to enhance training and interoperability. Demaala said the military chief also committed to regular meetings to fine-tune joint deterrence strategies amid the fast-changing regional and global security landscape. Also, the US, Japan and Australia vowed to support the Philippines' military modernization program and to assist its Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept, especially on the fortification of all frontiers against foreign invaders. Japan had committed to providing maritime vessels to the Philippine Coast Guard for them to enhance patrol in the disputed waters in the West Philippine Sea. Last week, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. met with Defense Chief of India Shri Giridhar Aramane, where both highlighted the deepening of the defense and security partnership between the Philippines and India.