AFP welcomes US plan to deploy missiles in Philippines

MANILA, Philippines  - The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) yesterday welcomed the United States’ plan to deploy more advanced missiles and unmanned systems in the Philippines this year.

In a statement, the military declared support for “initiatives that enhance our defense capability, interoperability and readiness in accordance with existing agreements and Philippine laws.”

“Any deployment of allied systems is intended to strengthen training, improve domain awareness and support our collective defense posture,” said AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla.

Following Monday’s meeting in Manila during the 12th Philippines-US bilateral strategic dialogue, senior Philippine and US foreign affairs and defense officials revealed plans to deploy more military equipment this year.

Both sides have committed to using the available foreign military financing from the US to modernize the AFP and Philippine Coast Guard.

Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. on Tuesday met with US Assistant Secretary of War John Noh during the latter’s courtesy call at Camp Aguinaldo.

The Department of National Defense said the meeting “reaffirmed the Philippines’ strong commitment to further strengthening defense cooperation with the US, enhancing strategic partnerships and advancing credible deterrence in support of regional security, stability and the rules-based international order.”