The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has reinforced its military cooperation with the United States and Japan through high-level engagements ahead of major exercises this year, officials said Saturday, February 14.
The Philippine Army (PA) is expanding its partnership with the US Army Pacific (USARPAC) as it shifts focus from internal security operations to external defense readiness.
PA Commanding General Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete met with USARPAC Commanding General Ronald P. Clark during a courtesy visit at Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on February 12.
The engagement followed their December 2025 meeting in Hawaii and the 14th Steering Committee Meeting at Fort Bonifacio in November 2025.
“The Philippine Army is firmly committed to deepening our partnership with the US Army. Together with like-minded nations, we are dedicated to maintaining regional stability and promoting peace across the broader Indo-Pacific region,” Nafarrete said.
The meeting reaffirmed the bilateral alliance between the two ground forces, with discussions paving the way for Exercise Salaknib between the PA and USARPAC, as well as Exercise Balikatan, both scheduled for April.