US Indopacom chief travels to PH, discuss security concerns

United States Indo-Pacific Command (Indopacom) chief Admiral Samuel J. Paparo visited the Philippines and discussed shared security concerns with local officials, the US military said on Sunday (US time).

In a news release, the US Indopacom said Paparo visited the Philippines from February 20 to 22, coinciding with the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the Liberation of Manila.  

During the trip, Paparo met with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, National Security Advisor Eduardo Año, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., Armed Forces of the Philippines chief General Romeo Brawner Jr., Presidential Assistant for Maritime Concerns Secretary Andres Centino, as well as US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay L. Carlson.

They tackled shared security concerns such as maritime security, humanitarian assistance/disaster response, and counterterrorism. 

Paparo also reiterated the US commitment to the AFP to improve maritime domain awareness and capacity building in order to fight illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive activities. 

The US Indopacom commander visited US and Filipino World War II veterans and gave a speech at the 80th anniversary of the Liberation of Manila at Manila American Cemetery.

“Our nations have stood together for decades, confronting common challenges and advancing shared interests in the Indo-Pacific region,” Paparo said.

“The liberation of Manila was a triumph for universal values of human dignity, self-determination, and the human spirit. As we honor the memory of those who gave their lives, let us rededicate ourselves to the cause of freedom and our enduring partnership. May the sacrifices of our forebears inspire us to stand firm in the face of challenges, and may our bonds of friendship and cooperation grow stronger in the years to come,” he added. — Joviland Rita/RSJ, GMA Integrated News