More countries eyeing military pact with PH — DND chief

Philippine Air Force’s 960th Air and Missile Defense Group trains on the Patriot missile defense system with the US Army’s 38th Air Defense Artillery Brigade last April 19 at NETDC in San Antonio, Zambales (Photo by PAF)

MANILA, Philippines — More countries are looking to enter a military agreement with the Philippines, according to Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.

Teodoro, during a forum by Manila Overseas Press Club in a Makati City on Tuesday night, said more countries are looking to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Philippines, following the steps of Canada and the United Kingdom which signed the agreement this month.

READ: New PH, Canada pact to strengthen military ties – Teodoro

“Several countries are interested in joining us … The MOU list is growing,” Teodoro said, without mentioning any particular countries.

Teodoro said signing an MOU with its allies and like-minded countries is part of the government’s plan to bolster its defense capabilities.

“We will exercise these partnerships to the full, and it is within our unquestionable right to do so as a sovereign country,” he pointed out.

READ: PH, UK ink pact to bolster military ties

An MOU provides a framework for both countries to enhance their bilateral cooperation in the field of defense, including training and capacity building, military equipment, research, and technology, among others.