Top US military exec now in Philippines over maritime, security issues

Armed Forces Chief of Staff General Jessie Dellosa says the visit of Navy Admiral Samuel Locklear III, Commander of US Pacific Command has nothing to do with the territorial dispute in the West Philippine Sea between Manila and Beijing. Video by Matikas Santos

Navy Adm. Samuel J. Locklear III, commander of U.S. Pacific Command, arrives in the Philippines to meet with senior military officials in Manila, Sunday. The United States and the Philippines share a Mutual Defense Treaty, and the two nations work closely together through bi-lateral and multi-lateral training to enhance interoperability. U.S. NAVY PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – The Armed Forces of the Philippines on Monday welcomed the visit of United States Pacific Commander Admiral Samuel Locklear, saying it signified “strengthening of the close ties between the Philippine and US militaries.

“We are truly honored by Admiral Locklear’s visit, as it reaffirms the strong alliance and the good relations between our armed forces,” military chief General Jessie Dellosa said in a statement.

“Coming after our bilateral meeting in Singapore last month, this visit further strengthens our bondband shared history, especially in the light of current regional developments in the Asia Pacific, and other areas of engagement between our two militaries.”

Locklear’s three-day visit includes a visit to Camp General Basilio Navarro in Zamboanga Tuesday to visit the US Armed Forces Joint Special Operations Task Force.

The JSOTF-P works with the AFP military to fight terrorism and deliver humanitarian assistance to the people of Mindanao at the request of Philippine government.

“This visit is a gesture of sincerity in upholding the mutual trust and respect between the Philippines and the United States. Thus, in line with this commitment to unity and goodwill, the AFP gives you full assurance of our support to your leadership, and to future joint endeavors between our two organizations,” Dellosa added.

Locklear arrived at Camp Aguinaldo past 3 p.m. to meet Dellosa and Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin afterwards.
The meeting will include a discussion of “security issues that has bearing on regional security and stability,” spokesman Colonel Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos Jr. told reporters.

It will also include “efforts on counter terrorism, bilateral training…that further enhances defense ties and partnership with US armed forces,” he added.