CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City—The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the United States Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) convened the Mutual Defense Board and Security Engagement Board (MDB-SEB) Meeting at the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) in Baguio City on August 29, 2024. The meeting was presided over by General Romeo Brawner Jr., Chief of Staff of the AFP, and Admiral Samuel John Paparo Jr., Commander of the USINDOPACOM.
The MDB-SEB meeting is an annual bilateral engagement between the AFP and USINDOPACOM aimed at discussing mutual defense concerns, enhancing military cooperation, and strengthening the security partnership between the Philippines and the United States. The agenda of this year's meeting focused on enhancing joint training exercises, defense capability building, maritime security cooperation, and other areas of shared interest.
In his closing remarks, General Brawner highlighted the importance of the MDB-SEB and noted its significant progress, "Today’s meeting is one of the major activities which the Philippines and the U.S. conduct bilaterally. Throughout the years we progress a lot, and I can say that the future between the Philippines-U.S. alliance through the USINDOPACOM is very bright," said General Brawner.
The meeting concluded with both parties reaffirming their shared commitment to upholding a rules-based international order, maintaining freedom of navigation, and promoting regional security and stability. The MDB-SEB continues to serve as a vital mechanism for advancing the mutual defense and security interests of the Philippines and the United States.
Photo by: PFC Carmelotes & SSg Ambay/PAOAFP
