CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City – General Romeo S Brawner Jr., Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (CSAFP), visited the Visayas Command (VISCOM) and the Naval Forces Central (NAVFORCEN) at their respective headquarters in Camp Lapulapu and Naval Base Rafael Ramos, Cebu City, on March 29, 2025.

General Brawner was accompanied by LtGen Fernando M Reyeg, Commander of VISCOM, and Commodore Joselito E De Guzman, Commander of NAVFORCEN. General Brawner’s visit focused on assessing operational readiness, strengthening security coordination, and reinforcing the AFP’s strategic presence in the Visayas region.

During his visit, General Brawner engaged with senior officers and personnel to discuss key security initiatives aimed at ensuring regional stability. He commended the dedication and professionalism of the troops, recognizing their crucial role in upholding national security and safeguarding communities.

The visit underscored the AFP’s commitment to enhancing joint operations and fostering inter-service collaboration, ensuring a capable, responsive, and mission-ready forces.

Photo by: SSg Ambay / PAOAFP

CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City — Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Romeo S Brawner Jr welcomed United States Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on March 28, at the AFP General Headquarters.

General Brawner was also present during Secretary Hegseth’s activities today including an engagement with Secretary of National Defense Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr.

During this high-level meeting, mutual concerns with crucial implications for advancing the Philippine military and defense capabilities were addressed.

Increased cooperation through joint exercises, technology transfers, and enhanced intelligence sharing is expected to bolster the AFP's overall defense efforts.

The visit underscores the enduring alliance between the Philippines and the United States, built on shared values and a mutual commitment to peace and stability.///

Photos by: SSg Ambay PA/ PAOAFP

CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), together with the defense forces of Japan, and the United States recently concluded a Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA) in the West Philippine Sea on March 28, 2025, further enhancing interoperability and strengthening defense ties among the three nations.

The Philippine contingent featured BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150), AW 109 helicopter, C90 aircraft, and PAF Search and Rescue (SAR) assets.

Japan deployed their multi-mission frigate JS Noshiro (FFM-3) with a maritime helicopter SH-60K.

Meanwhile, the United States contributed their guided missile destroyer DDG Shoup (DDG-86), multi-mission naval helicopter MH60-R, and maritime patrol aircraft P-8A Poseidon to the joint activity.

The activity consisted of various exercises including Communications Check Exercise, Rotary Flight Operations, Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) / Contact Reporting, Division Tactics (DIVTACS), Personnel Exchange and Photo Exercises (PHOTOEX).

These exercises aimed to enhance interoperability and strengthen the combined capabilities of participating forces.

“The MMCA continuously highlights the vital improvements in our coordination, tactics, and shared maritime awareness. Every iteration strengthens our capacity to respond to maritime security challenges while reinforcing our collective ability to safeguard our national interests,” AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo S Brawner Jr said.///

CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City – The Philippines has taken a major step in strengthening its maritime defense with the formal launch of the BRP Diego Silang (FFG-07) at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries' (HHI) shipyard in Ulsan, Korea on March 27.

The event was attended by top Philippine defense officials, including AFP Chief of Staff Romeo S Brawner Jr, Philippine Navy Flag Officer-in-Command Vice Admiral Jose Ma Ambrosio Ezpeleta, and DND Undersecretary Salvador Melchor B Mison Jr, along with HHI CEO Lee Sang Kyun.

The BRP Diego Silang, named after the Filipino revolutionary hero, is the sister ship of BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06), which also departed Korea today and is expected to arrive at the Subic Shipyard on April 8.

Both vessels, equipped with advanced weapons and radar systems, are part of the Philippine Navy’s ₱28-billion modernization contract with HHI, signed in 2021. These warships significantly enhance the country’s naval capabilities amid growing security challenges in the West Philippine Sea.

The addition of these two 3,200-ton corvettes reinforces the Philippines’ commitment to regional stability and defense cooperation with South Korea.

This launch coincides with the 75th anniversary of the Korean War, a poignant reminder of the longstanding friendship and shared history between the Philippines and South Korea where Filipino troops fought to defend South Korea's sovereignty.