September 14, 2023 (Quezon City) – Secretary of National Defense (SND) Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr., received Admiral John C. Aquilino, Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command (US INDOPACOM), to discuss the outcomes of the annual Mutual Defense Board-Security Engagement Board (MDB-SEB) between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and US INDOPACOM. Her Excellency MaryKay Carlson, Ambassador of the US to the Philippines, was also present during the courtesy call.

The MDB-SEB is an annual gathering with the view of discussing military-to-military as well as security engagements between the two armed forces. It enables the AFP and US INDOPACOM to plan and review joint exercises, initiatives, and other activities for the succeeding year to enhance interoperability and capabilities of Philippines and US forces.

Secretary Teodoro and Admiral Aquilino noted the recent conduct of the first Philippines-US bilateral sail last September 4, 2023 in Palawan, which was intended to strengthen maritime cooperation between the two countries. The Secretary welcomed the activity as the Philippines moves towards building deterrence against external threats.

Moving forward, both countries committed to work towards the finalization of the General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA), a framework of cooperation between the Philippines and the US that aims to protect classified military information. The two sides also reaffirmed commitment to further enhance defense cooperation on mutual areas of interest.