CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City—A team from the United States Defense Technology Security Administration (DTSA) and the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) commenced the final Security Assistance Visit (SAV) to selected units of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on September 3, 2024. The survey is a critical step towards finalizing the General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) between the Philippines and the United States.
The SAV aims to assess the AFP's security practices, focusing on key areas such as information security, physical security, computer security, and security training. This evaluation will ensure that AFP units meet the security standards required to handle sensitive military information, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of bilateral operations between the two allied nations.
The GSOMIA between the Philippines and the United States will bolster defense cooperation and facilitate the exchange of classified information, enhancing the operational readiness of both countries in addressing mutual security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.
The DTSA's assessment marks a significant milestone in advancing the defense relationship between the Philippines and the United States, highlighting the shared commitment to maintaining regional security and upholding a rules-based international order.
