USMC War College delegation briefed on PH’s security concerns

From the Philippine News Agency (May 19, 2023): USMC War College delegation briefed on PH’s security concerns (By Priam Nepomuceno)

VISIT TO PH NAVY. Philippine Navy Vice Commander, Rear Adm. Caesar Bernard Valencia (standing), receives US Marine Corps War College (MCWAR) chair, Col. Ryan Murata, during a visit of MCWAR students to the Philippine Navy headquarters in Manila on May 17, 2023. The MCWAR delegation, during the visit, got a briefing on regional security concerns affecting the Philippines. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Navy)

MANILA – The Philippine Navy (PN) briefed a delegation from the US Marine Corps War College (MCWAR) on regional security concerns affecting the country, during its visit to the Naval Station Jose Andrada on May 17.

In a statement late Thursday, PN spokesperson Capt. Benjo Negranza said the US delegation was headed by Col. Ryan Murata, MCWAR chair, and received by Navy vice commander Rear Adm. Caesar Bernard Valencia who discussed with them "some matters about regional security".

These issues were not elaborated nor identified.

"Said visit aimed to strengthen the MCWAR curriculum by exposing students to the Philippine perspective on regional security concerns through discussions with Philippine national security decision-makers and military officials," Negranza said.

Earlier reports said the increasing engagements between the Philippine and US militaries aim to maintain a free Indo-Pacific region.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff, Gen. Andres Centino, and US Army Chief, Gen. James McConville, made this commitment during their meeting at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on May 10.

"The two affirmed that the increase in engagements is geared towards preventing conflict, advancing rules-based international order, and maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region," AFP public affairs office chief Col. Jorry Baclor said.

He said Centino and McConville also discussed the growing bilateral relationship between the Philippines and the US, which was highlighted by the recent visit of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to the United States.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1201804