Philippines, Australia finalize key logistics pact to address regional security challenges

The Philippines and Australia have finalized a defense pact that would allow reciprocal logistic support between the armed forces of the two countries — a key agreement which Canberra's embassy in Manila said will address regional security challenges.

In a statement, the Australian Embassy on Wednesday said the Philippines and Australia have concluded a Mutual Logistics Support Arrangement (MLSA).

A similar agreement, called Mutual Logistics Support Agreement, was signed by the Philippines and the United States in 2002 and remains in force. Australia did not provide details on the scope of its MLSA with Manila and when it will take effect.

“This important step will make it easier for Australia and the Philippines to work together to address regional security challenges,” an embassy statement said, adding it seeks to further deepen “our longstanding defense relations.”

Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Steven Robinson said the pact “provides a solid framework for the Philippines and Australia’s defense organizations to conduct more complex engagement, and enhance interoperability in practical ways.”

“As Australia and the Philippines face a rapidly evolving strategic environment, seeking new opportunities like this is increasingly important for deepening defense engagement,” Robinson said.

“For example, it will be easier for both countries to respond to humanitarian disasters in our region together,” he added.

The MLSA between Manila and Washington, renewable every five years, covers communications equipment, storage facilities, general purpose vehicles and other non-lethal equipment.

Also exchanged or transferred under the Philippines-US MLSA are supplies such as food, water and fuel, and support and services such as billeting, transportation, communications and medical services.

Manila also has an existing agreement with Australia, called the State of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA), which was signed by the Aquino administration in Dec. 23, 2010 and ratified by the Senate in 2012.

“Our cooperation promotes our shared vision for a peaceful, inclusive and resilient region of sovereign states,” Robinson said.

The SOVFA, which governs the entry of Australian troops to the country, was instrumental in facilitating the rapid deployment of medical assistance, humanitarian and reconstruction support involving over 500 service personnel, numerous aircraft and the Landing Ship Heavy HMAS Tobruk, when Typhoon Haiyan struck the Visayas region in 2013 and killed at least 6,300, the embassy said.

With the new logistics agreement with the Philippines, the embassy said it “looks forward to fostering the mateship and bayanihan that underpins our defense cooperation as we celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year.” 

The Philippines and other Southeast Asian nations are currently embroiled in long-standing maritime rifts with China in the South China Sea.

Australia, along with the US and Japan, have expressed concern on China's aggressive actions in the resource-rich waters. — RSJ, GMA News