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| Philippine National Security Adviser Secretary Eduardo M. Año links arms with the ASEAN Chiefs of Army for a photo opportunity during the joint opening ceremony for the ASEAN Chiefs of Army Multilateral Meeting and ASEAN Sergeants Major Annual Meeting on November 21, 2024, at the Hilton Hotel in Clark, Pampanga. |
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| ASEAN Chiefs of Army participated in the multilateral meeting and delved into the Armies' role in maintaining regional peace and stability during the conduct of ACAMM 2024 on November 21, 2024, at the Hilton Hotel in Clark, Pampanga. |
Army Public Affairs Chief Colonel Louie Dema-ala said Friday, at the culmination of the 25th ASEAN Chief of Armies Multilateral Meeting (ACAMM), that Army chiefs from neighboring countries emphasized a stable region.
He clarified that the stance agreed upon during the annual gathering is not directed at any specific country.
“The meeting reaffirmed our collective commitment to ASEAN's principles of unity and solidarity, ensuring that all member states work together as equal partners toward peace and stability in the region,” Dema-ala said.
“We take into account the role of "operational armies" and other significant steps to enhance regional cooperation by promoting interoperability, enhancing joint military efforts, and increasing intelligence and information sharing between the ASEAN armies,” he added.
The ACAMM, which commenced on November 20, aimed to strengthen solidarity and camaraderie among soldiers from other nations.
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| Commanding General Philippine Army Lt. Gen. Roy M. Galido presents the ACAMM symbol to Singapore Army Chief Maj. Gen. David Neo, the next host for the 2025 ASEAN Armies Annual Meeting, during the joint opening ceremony for ASEAN Chiefs of Army Multilateral Meeting and ASEAN Sergeants Major Annual Meeting on November 21, 2024, at the Hilton Hotel in Clark, Pampanga. |
While they are fully aware of the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the region, Philippine Army chief Lieutenant General Roy Galido said his counterparts emphasized the principles of transparency, mutual trust, and collaboration in all modernization efforts.
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| Commanding General Philippine Army Lt. Gen. Roy M. Galido delivered his message during the joint opening ceremony for the ASEAN Chief of Army Multilateral Meeting and ASEAN Sergeants Major Annual Meeting on November 21, 2024, at the Hilton Hotel in Clark, Pampanga. |
“For instance, we discussed ways to share technological advancements and expertise, enabling member states with varying capacities to benefit equitably,” Galido said.
“Furthermore, we reaffirmed our commitment to confidence-building measures, such as hosting open dialogues and inviting observers to military drills. By focusing on interoperability and shared goals, we are collectively building a stronger and more cohesive ASEAN Armies,” he added.
Currently, China has competing claims in the South China Sea, not only with the Philippines but also with Malaysia, Brunei, and Vietnam.
In 2016, an arbitration tribunal at The Hague ruled in favour of the Philippines territorial claims, dismissing China’s broad claims over the waters as having no legal basis. However, Beijing has consistently rejected and denounced the ruling as illegitimate.
Army chiefs took their stance just days after U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin issued a warning against China that America would defend its ally, Manila, if attacked.
Manila and the US have an existing Mutual Defense Treaty signed in 1951 that requires either side to come to aid in the event of aggression by an external power.
"Our commitment to the defense treaty is ironclad. Let me say again that mutual defense unifies the armed attacks on either of our armed forces aircraft or public vessels, including our costars anywhere in the South China Sea," Austin said.
In previous months, Beijing has been accused of employing aggressive tactics against Philippine ships in the West Philippine Sea, such as firing water cannons and using high-intensity lasers, in a bid to assert its territorial claims in the disputed waters.
The West Philippine Sea is Manila’s name for the South China Sea waters that lie within its exclusive economic zone.
In a visit to Palawan, an island facing the South China Sea where he met Filipino soldiers at the Western Command, Austin also announced the US government has provided the Philippine Navy an undisclosed number of unmanned surface vessels (USVs) called the Mantas T-12 to support Philippine forces in the country's maritime zones.
Manufactured by Maritime Tactical Systems, the advanced boat drone, 3.6 meters long with a payload capacity of 64 kilograms, is capable of detecting mines. The drone is useful in conducting surveillance, performing search and rescue operations, and engaging in electronic warfare and swarming operations. (Jeoffrey Maitem/Photo by Mark Navales)
Currently, China has competing claims in the South China Sea, not only with the Philippines but also with Malaysia, Brunei, and Vietnam.
In 2016, an arbitration tribunal at The Hague ruled in favour of the Philippines territorial claims, dismissing China’s broad claims over the waters as having no legal basis. However, Beijing has consistently rejected and denounced the ruling as illegitimate.
Army chiefs took their stance just days after U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin issued a warning against China that America would defend its ally, Manila, if attacked.
Manila and the US have an existing Mutual Defense Treaty signed in 1951 that requires either side to come to aid in the event of aggression by an external power.
"Our commitment to the defense treaty is ironclad. Let me say again that mutual defense unifies the armed attacks on either of our armed forces aircraft or public vessels, including our costars anywhere in the South China Sea," Austin said.
In previous months, Beijing has been accused of employing aggressive tactics against Philippine ships in the West Philippine Sea, such as firing water cannons and using high-intensity lasers, in a bid to assert its territorial claims in the disputed waters.
The West Philippine Sea is Manila’s name for the South China Sea waters that lie within its exclusive economic zone.
In a visit to Palawan, an island facing the South China Sea where he met Filipino soldiers at the Western Command, Austin also announced the US government has provided the Philippine Navy an undisclosed number of unmanned surface vessels (USVs) called the Mantas T-12 to support Philippine forces in the country's maritime zones.
Manufactured by Maritime Tactical Systems, the advanced boat drone, 3.6 meters long with a payload capacity of 64 kilograms, is capable of detecting mines. The drone is useful in conducting surveillance, performing search and rescue operations, and engaging in electronic warfare and swarming operations. (Jeoffrey Maitem/Photo by Mark Navales)
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