US Sec Def Hegseth visits PH to boost military ties

Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez stated Sunday that US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth's visit to the Philippines this week will aid in modernizing the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

During his trip, Hegseth is scheduled to meet with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., highlighting the importance of the defense alliance between the two countries.

Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla noted that the visit reaffirms the US's ironclad commitment to support Manila, emphasizing the strengthening military ties.

Hegseth will meet with Defense Secretary Teodoro at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City this Friday for their first in-person meeting since US President Donald Trump took office, following a phone conference in February where both officials expressed optimism about deepening defense relations.

The visit underscores the US's keen interest in bolstering its existing military alliance with the Philippines ahead of the 40th iteration of Exercise Balikatan, which will commence on April 21st. Additionally, the AFP said it would welcome the deployment of another American-made Typhon missile launcher should the US send another one.