Phl, Australia vow to boost security ties

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines and Australia have vowed to enhance their security ties during the recently concluded 10th Joint Defense Cooperation Committee (JDCC) and Defense Cooperation Working Group meetings held in Manila.

In a statement posted on its website, the Department of National Defense (DND) said the meetings were held last Oct. 27 and 28 and were attended by key security officials of the two countries.

DND Undersecretary for Legal and Legislative Affairs and Strategic Concerns Pio Lorenzo Batino led the Philippine delegation while Defense Director-General for Southeast Asia Brigadier Mark Brewer headed the Australian participants.

“The delegates exchanged views on ways to further strengthen bilateral ties and enhance defense and security cooperation in areas such as maritime security, peacekeeping operations, and counter-terrorism,” the DND statement read.

“Strategies to address shared security concerns while taking into account each country’s national laws and policies, and resource constraints were discussed,” it added.

The JDCC was established under the Memorandum of Understanding on Defense Cooperation inked by the Philippines and Australia in 1995. The committee provides policy direction to the working group, which initiates and monitors defense cooperation activities between the two countries.

DND said both countries were updated on major developments relevant to their defense ties like the establishment of the Philippine national coast watch system.

Last September, President Aquino issued Executive Order 57, which called for the creation of the national coast watch system. The order seeks to expand the country’s naval security operations and to protect its natural resources.

Aquino’s order expanded the scope of the Coast Watch South, which is tasked to provide maritime security in Southern Philippines, to cover the entire archipelago.

DND said the two countries also acknowledged the role of the Philippines-Australia Status of Visiting Forces Agreement in deepening their defense cooperation.

The agreement, which was signed in 2007, has yet to be ratified by the Philippines.

The agreement would allow visiting forces to temporarily use land and sea areas of the receiving country for combined training, exercises or other activities agreed upon by the two parties.

Visiting forces have been directed to respect the law of the receiving country in conducting the military exercises.

DND said the Philippines also thanked Australia for providing education and training opportunities designed to professionalize the country’s defense and military personnel.

“Both sides expressed commitment to sustain the robust defense relations and accomplish the identified courses of action,” it said.