US Defense chief Hegseth meets with Teodoro at Camp Aguinaldo

United States Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Friday morning arrived at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City to meet with his counterpart, Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.

Hegseth went to Camp Aguinaldo right after meeting President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. in Malacañang in Manila.

Based on an advisory released Saturday (Manila time), the US Defense Department said Hegseth's visit aimed 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," the advisory read.

Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Manuel Romualdez said Thursday conversations between Teodoro and Hegseth will center around new policies from U.S. President Donald Trump that directly influence the enhancement of military relations with allies like the Philippines.

During his courtesy call on Marcos, Hegseth underscored the importance of deterrence amid threats in the South China Sea.

"As we've talked about, peace through strength is a very real thing. deterrence is necessary around the world, but specifically in this region in your country, considering the threats from the communist Chinese," Hegseth told Marcos.

"Friends need to stand shoulder to shoulder to deter conflict to ensure that there's free navigation, whether you call it the South China Sea or the West Philippine Sea, we recognize that your country has stand very firm in that location and in defense of your nation," he added.

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