DND, AFP continue dev't of PH defense capabilities amid US aid freeze
![DND, AFP continue dev't of PH defense capabilities amid US aid freeze](https://images.gmanews.tv/webpics/2023/08/afp_2023_08_07_01_47_29.jpg)
The Department of National Defense and Armed Forces of the Philippines said Wednesday they continue to pursue the development of the country’s defense capabilities amid the United States' ongoing review of its foreign assistance.
The DND and AFP also said they will remain steadfast “in our commitment to perform our mandate to defend our sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction.”
“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,” the DND said in a statement.
The Defense Department also expressed optimism that the defense alliance between the Philippines and the United States will continue to flourish under the administration of President Donald Trump.
The AFP earlier said that its military engagements with the United States would continue uninterrupted.
“For the side of the AFP, we have longstanding partnerships with the US, and we continue with our partnership programs moving forward,” AFP spokesperson Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla said in a press briefing Tuesday.
US President Donald Trump recently ordered a 90-day review to ensure that foreign aid allocations align with his administration’s foreign policy. This directive led the US State Department to issue a "stop-work" order for all foreign assistance.
In July last year, the US, under its previous administration, pledged $500 million in new funding for the Philippines’ military and coast guard.
The $500 million package, equivalent to approximately P29.32 billion, includes over $128 million earmarked for infrastructure projects under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) between the two nations.
During consultation between Teodoro and Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez, the latter expressed confidence that the “US military assistance will continue including major economic programs.”
“The 90-day suspension is temporary,” Romualdez added.—Jiselle Casucian/AOL, GMA Integrated News
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