CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City--The AFP and the Australian Defense Force (ADF) solidified their partnership ahead of the Indo-Pacific Endeavor 2023 (IPE23) scheduled in various countries, including the Philippines, from June to October this year.
Vice Chief of Staff, AFP LtGen Arthur Cordura met with the IPE23 Commander, Air Commodore Anthony McCormack, at the AFP General Headquarters today, 17 March. The ADF team for IPE23 is in the country to plan for the Philippine leg of the activity which is expected to be held in August. Primarily, IPE23 will focus on territorial defense and island maneuver operations.
In the meeting, LtGen Cordura conveyed the AFP's support to IPE23 and its openness for more engagements with the ADF.
IPE23 is Australia's flagship regional engagement activity with 14 Southeast Asian and Northeast Indian Ocean countries, including the Philippines.
It will also feature senior leadership engagements, information exchanges, sporting events, seminars, and other capacity-building activities.
Group Captain Lesley Carney, Navy Captain Phillipa Hay, and Commander Andrew Duff joined Commodore McCormack. Australian Defense Attache Col Paul Barta and assistant defense attaché LTC Tim Lopsik were also present.
Also in the meeting were BGen Fernando Reyeg, Deputy Chief of Staff (DCS) for Operations, J3; BGen Ferdinand Barandon, DCS for Intelligence, J2; Marine BGen Noel Beleran, DCS for Training, Education, and Doctrine, J8; Col Niceforo Diaz Jr, Executive Officer of the Office of the DCS for Logistics, J4; Col Geoffrey Carandang, Secretary of the Joint Staff; and Col Jorry Baclor, Chief PAOAFP. /// (Photos by Sgt Soria/PAO, AFP)
