PH, US discuss maritime domain awareness vs 'illegal, aggressive' acts

The Philippines and the United States on Tuesday tackled security aid, utilization of Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites, and the importance of maritime domain awareness against “illegal, coercive, aggressive and deceptive activities.”

US Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman General Charles Q. Brown, Jr. had meetings with the Philippines’ National Security Advisor Eduardo Año, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., and Armed Forces Chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. in Manila.

In a readout released Wednesday (Manila time), the US Joint Chiefs of Staff public affairs office said “the leaders discussed ongoing efforts to strengthen the alliance.”

These include “bilateral security assistance, utilization of Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement agreed locations and the importance of maritime domain awareness to counter illegal, coercive, aggressive and deceptive activities.”

The four officials also exchanged their evaluation of the security situation in the region including the violent incidents in Ayungin or Second Thomas Shoal.

“The leaders also shared their assessments of the regional security environment, including recent events in the vicinity of Second Thomas Shoal, and the importance of maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific,” the readout stated.

According to the US Joint Chiefs of Staff public affairs office, the Philippines and the US have upheld peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region for 70 years through “transparency, the rule of law, respect for sovereignty and the peaceful resolution of disputes.”

EDCA

In a separate news release, the US Department of Defense (DND) said Brown toured a “US rotational access site designated as part of the EDCA.”

“The sites are designed to strengthen combined training, exercises and interoperability between the two countries,” the DOD said.

Signed in 2014, EDCA grants US troops access to designated Philippine military facilities, allowing them to build facilities and preposition equipment, aircraft, and vessels.

There are currently nine EDCA sites with the US in the Philippines.

On the part of the Philippines, Brawner said the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the US Armed Forces continue to engage in various joint activities like training exercises, humanitarian assistance, and disaster response operations.

These aims to further solidify their Philippine-US partnership and readiness to respond to any contingencies.

"Our alliance with the United States remains a cornerstone of our national security. Through continued collaboration and mutual support, we fortify our defense capabilities and ensure the stability of our region," Brawner said in a statement.

“This visit sends a strong message to our neighbors and signals that our military-to-military relationship is strong. We hope that General Brown's visit will be beneficial for both the Philippines and the US,” he added.

Cyberspace

Meanwhile, Teodoro stressed the need to address concerns on information and communications technology (ICT) and cyber domains. 

“Our cyberspace is the most vulnerable in the defense establishment, and the most aggressive attacks come from state and non-state actors. In this age of disinformation, maintaining robust cybersecurity is paramount,” Teodoro said in a statement.

Teodoro and Brown said the negotiations on the General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) between the two countries are on a “positive trajectory.”

Brown is set to meet key officials in the Indo-Pacific this week to build upon US investments in partnerships throughout the region.

Aside from the Philippines, Brown will also go to Japan later in the week to meet with senior government officials and military leaders for discussions on regional deterrence and security cooperation. He will also meet with US service members stationed at Yokota Air Base. --VAL, GMA Integrated News