AFP military engagements with US to continue despite aid freeze

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) stated that its ongoing military engagements with the United States will proceed without interruption, despite the US temporarily freezing foreign aid.

AFP spokesperson Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla emphasized that partnership programs with the US are longstanding and will continue as planned, describing the current situation as 'business as usual'.

This statement comes after US President Donald Trump ordered a 90-day review of foreign aid to ensure alignment with his administration's foreign policy, prompting a 'stop-work' order from the US State Department.

The Philippines' Department of Foreign Affairs is closely monitoring the developments concerning the potential freeze on US foreign assistance, as confirmed by the Presidential Communications Office.

Previously, in July of last year, the US had pledged $500 million in new funding for the Philippines' military and coast guard.