Pentagon assures PHL of continued relationship to improve PHL military

From GMA News (Aug 27): Pentagon assures PHL of continued relationship to improve PHL military

Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Gen. Emmanuel Bautista met with Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Martin Dempsey at the Pentagon last weekend, with both issuing a joint declaration reaffirming the obligations under the RP-US Mutual Defense Treaty.

“The Philippines and the United States will continue to work closely together to further strengthen our alliance, particularly the ongoing efforts to improve our [the AFP's] military capabilities,” Bautista said, according to a news release of the Philippine embassy in Washington D.C.

Both officials also resolved to protect the “unimpeded commerce transiting through the maritime domain, while deterring those who would restrict it or act in a manner that might place it at risk."

Both commanders called for a "rules-based approach in resolving competing claims in maritime areas by peaceful means."

Bautista’s visit to the US came shortly after Philippine and US diplomats began negotiating arrangements that will let the US temporarily deploy more forces and military assets in the Philippines.

Negotiations will resume in Washington next week, the Philippine embassy said.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/323709/news/nation/pentagon-assures-phl-of-continued-relationship-to-improve-phl-military