Canada vows to boost defense ties with Phl

MANILA, Philippines - Canada wants to strengthen its defense ties with the Philippines as part of its effort to engage with its partners in the Asia Pacific region.

The aim was expressed by Gen. Tom Lawson, Canada’s Chief of the Defense Staff, during his visit to the Philippines from June 2 to 3.

In a statement, the Canadian Embassy said Lawson’s visit “aimed to highlight the importance of Canada's security and defense engagement in the Asia-Pacific region.”

"This visit provided me with an excellent opportunity to exchange information and to strengthen our defense relationship and dialogue with the Philippines,” Lawson said.

“We will continue our efforts to bolster defense relations and increase cooperation with Canada's partners like the Philippines, in the Asia-Pacific region,” he added.

Lawson met with Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Emmanuel Bautista to discuss the security ties between their countries.

He also delivered a lecture about Canada’s role in the Asia Pacific at the National Defense College of the Philippines in Camp Aguinaldo.

“This high-level visit reflects our desire to further build the very productive defense relationship that Canada enjoys with the Philippines,” Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines Neil Reeder said in a statement.

“We hope to expand defense training cooperation with the Philippines’ armed forces following the recent signing of a bilateral MOU (memorandum of understanding) that will assist in building the capabilities of the AFP, enhance peace support operations and promote interoperability.”

In March, the Philippines and Canada signed a contract for eight Bell 412EP combat helicopters worth P4.8-billion.

The Bell 412EP helicopters will be acquired through the state-owned Canadian Commercial Corp. The helicopters are capable of assault support, close air support and are adaptable for any mission. Each helicopter can accommodate 14 passengers and one crew.

The delivery of the helicopters will start in August 2015 and will be completed in 2017.

Canadian troops also conducted medical missions, delivered relief goods and cleared roods in areas devastated by “Yolanda” last year. – Alexis Romero with Venice Amoroso and Anna Bajo