CAMP AGUINALOD, Quezon City -- LtGen Jimmy D. Larida, Vice Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (VCSAFP), welcomed LtGen Michael Cederholm, Commanding General of the I Marine Expeditionary Force, U.S. Marine Corps, and Commander of the U.S. Joint Task Force for Balikatan 40-2025, during a courtesy visit held today, here.
The visit underscored both nations’ commitment to strengthening defense cooperation and enhancing interoperability ahead of the upcoming Balikatan 40-2025 exercises.
During their discussions, the two leaders reaffirmed their shared dedication to readiness and regional security, emphasizing the importance of sustained collaboration in addressing evolving security challenges across the Indo-Pacific.
The courtesy call also highlighted the strategic significance of the Balikatan Exercise as a symbol of the enduring Philippines–U.S. alliance and a testament to the long-standing defense partnership between the two nations.
Photos by A1C Castro/PAOAFP
