The Armed Forces of the Philippines expresses its gratitude for the support extended by Senators Francis Tolentino, Francis Escudero and Sherwin Gatchalian to the implementation of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA). This manifestation of support is in line with our treaty obligation as contained in the Mutual Defense Treaty of 1951.
Since the signing of EDCA in 2014, it has continuously facilitated the conduct of military exercises and HADR operations in support to the AFP mission. Likewise, with the threat of climate change, our partnership with modern and well-equipped countries such as the United States of America will develop the capability of our troops in executing humanitarian and disaster response (HADR) operations in times of natural calamities and disasters.
