The United States has announced additional security cooperation funding to accelerate AFP modernization and interoperability, reinforcing defense ties with the Philippines amid ongoing regional security challenges.
US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth made the announcement during a bilateral meeting with Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., although the US Department of War did not disclose the exact amount of the additional funding.
Both officials agreed to expedite the modernization of command-and-control systems to improve real-time defense coordination between the Philippines and the United States.
The meeting also included discussions on developing additional facilities and critical infrastructure under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).
The announcement coincided with the gathering of defense leaders at the Mactan Expo in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu for the 20th ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) and the 13th ADMM-Plus scheduled on October 28 and 29, 2026.
Separately, Secretary Teodoro and Japanese Defense Minister Koizumi Shinjiro held talks aimed at strengthening Philippine-Japan cooperation on defense and maritime security across the Indo-Pacific region.
Meanwhile, China confirmed that only its Defense Attaché would attend the ADMM-Plus in Cebu, a move viewed by many observers as the country’s lowest level of participation in the forum since 2010.
ASEAN defense leaders remain focused on enhancing maritime security as tensions continue in the West Philippine Sea and the South China Sea.
In a related development, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) expanded support for Filipino fishermen operating near Bajo de Masinloc through the distribution of free fuel assistance.
The DND emphasized that these bilateral and multilateral defense agreements are intended to promote peace, stability, and disaster resilience throughout the region.