Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr. welcomed U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III on his fourth visit to the Philippines on November 18, 2024.
The leaders celebrated the progress in expanding and modernizing the U.S.-Philippines alliance and emphasized a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Secretary Austin announced an additional $1 million in humanitarian aid from USAID to support the Philippines’ response to Super Typhoon Pepito.
Their discussions covered defense cooperation and regional security, with a focus on challenges in the South China Sea and harassment by the People’s Republic of China.
Austin underscored U.S. support for the Philippines’ sovereign rights and pledged to enhance the nation’s defense capabilities.
At Camp Aguinaldo, Secretaries Austin and Teodoro signed a General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) to improve information sharing and joint operations.
They also co-led a groundbreaking ceremony for a new bilateral Combined Coordination Center (CCC) to advance planning for joint exercises and humanitarian missions.
Secretary Austin later visited Palawan, inspecting the Antonio Bautista Airbase, an Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) site, and the Western Command (WESCOM), which manages operations in the South China Sea.
The leaders discussed operational planning, bilateral and multilateral cooperation, and the U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty’s extension to the South China Sea.
At a C2 Fusion Center built by USINDOPACOM, Austin observed a T-12 Unmanned Surface Vessel demonstration, highlighting advancements in intelligence, surveillance, and maritime awareness.
The visit reinforced the strong U.S.-Philippines alliance and the commitment to peace, security, and shared values in the Indo-Pacific region.