Department of National Defense (DND) chief Carlito Galvez Jr. (right) and US Department of Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III (left) (PNA file photo)
MANILA – Department of National Defense (DND) chief Carlito Galvez Jr. said there are four areas to be given focus for the modernization of the US and Philippines' military alliance.
He made this comment after meeting with US Department of Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III Wednesday (US time) shortly after the third US-Philippines 2+2 ministerial meeting in Washington DC held on Tuesday.
"Number one is that we need a common understanding of our policies and priorities. That's why we will be having our defense guidelines. And upgrade our equipment to sustain our militaries’ capability to respond to threats," Galvez said.
The DND chief said the second area is the cyber defenses of both nations must be strengthened to protect critical infrastructures and sensitive information.
"Number three is we need to increase intelligence sharing and cooperation together against and respond to the challenges. And we want to thank you for giving us always the highest (priority). That really helps a lot," the DND chief noted.
Fourth, Galvez said improvements must be made to improve interoperability between US and Philippine forces to "better coordinate and conduct joint activities."
"Today’s meeting is a good opportunity to build on our discussions during your visit in the Philippines last (February) and reaffirm our commitment to the Philippines-US mutual defense treaty," he added.
Galvez also noted that the regular exchange and close coordination demonstrate the extent of the defense relationship of the two nations.
"And I have mentioned on several occasions the importance of our Philippine - US defense cooperation in the region, especially at this time when significant challenges are becoming increasing complex and evolving," he added.
The DND chief also stressed that the defense alliance between the Philippines and the US is for peace.
"Our defense alliance is critical in assuring the safety and security of our citizens, and we continue to work together to enhance our capabilities to meet the current and future security challenges, including disasters," he added.
Galvez also took the opportunity to express the Philippine government's appreciation of American support in containing the oil spill in Oriental Mindoro province.
"Thank you very much. Mr. Secretary, with the phone call that we had it materialized immediately, and we really thank you because it really helped us to manage the oil spill that we had. I believe -- we went there, in Mindoro, together with the Coast Guard, they're very happy when the -- our Army was able to patch up all the 23 leaks that we have identified with the ship," he added.
American support includes the deployment of the US Navy of a remotely-operated vehicle and technical support from the US Coast Guard and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (PNA)
