US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to visit PH next week

The United States Department of Defense announced that Secretary Pete Hegseth will visit the Philippines next week. 

In an advisory released Saturday (Manila time), the US Defense Department said Hegseth's visit aims to "drive ongoing efforts to strengthen our alliances and partnerships toward our shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific."

"He will travel to the Philippines, where he will advance security objectives with Philippine leaders and meet with U.S. and Philippine forces," according to the advisory.

Before going to the Philippines, the US Defense Secretary will first visit Hawaii and Guam.

"As part of his first official visit to the region, Sec. Hegseth will first travel to Hawaii to meet with civilian and military leaders from the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. From there, Sec. Hegseth will travel to Guam, where he is expected to tour the military facilities and receive capabilities briefs," the advisory stated.

After his visit to Manila, he will then head to Japan and take part in the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima.  —VAL, GMA Integrated News