US Defense chief Pete Hegseth arrives in PH

Pete Hegseth —AP

MANILA, Philippines — United States (US) Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has arrived in the Philippines, according to the US Embassy in Manila.

The embassy shared photos of Hegseth’s arrival in the country on Thursday evening.

“US Department of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is in the Philippines as the United States builds on unprecedented cooperation with like-minded countries,” its caption on Facebook reads.

“This visit highlights the importance of the U.S.-Philippine Alliance and our ironclad commitment as #FriendsPartnersAllies dedicated to ensuring a #FreeAndOpenIndoPacific,” it adds.

In an earlier statement, the embassy said Hegseth aimed “to advance security objectives” among the Philippine leaders during his visit.

In a separate statement, the US Department of Defense said Hegseth’s trip included visiting Hawaii, Guam, and Japan.