US to provide $100 million military financing to Philippines

MANILA, Philippines — US aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan is in Manila for a routine port visit while on patrol in the region.

The Nimitz-class, nuclear-powered carrier arrived in Manila yesterday accompanied by Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Chancellorsville, which is also part of the Carrier Strike Group 5 (CSG 5) of the United States Navy.

US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson joined a tour of the aircraft carrier, where she announced Washington’s plan to provide the Philippines with $100 million in foreign military financing.

“This visit offers an opportunity to recognize our two nations’ enduring alliance and commitment to each other. The waters of the Indo-Pacific are a dynamic and challenging environment to navigate, and we are fortunate to work with friends, partners and allies in the Philippines to achieve our mutual security goals,” said Carlson.

It is the Ronald Reagan’s first port visit to the Philippines since 2019.

“Every visit we make to the Philippines gives us a chance to celebrate our shared values and mutual security interests that form the foundation of our maritime partnership,” CSG 5 commander Rear Adm. Michael Donnelly said.

“This visit helps us reinforce the close ties we have with the people and government and ensure we continue to face challenges together,” he added.

Earlier, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III reiterated their commitment to support the Philippines’ self-defense requirements and military modernization.

During his meeting with Department of National Defense Senior Undersecretary and officer-in-charge Jose Faustino Jr. last Sept. 29, Austin noted their government’s intent to provide the $100-million additional financing for the Philippine military.

It was announced after the Marcos administration scrapped the deal to purchase 16 Russian-made Mil Mi-17 helicopters.

Ship tours

During the port visit, the Ronald Reagan will host ship tours while sailors will have opportunities to explore Philippine culture, cuisine and history.

“Ronald Reagan’s visit to Manila further strengthens our nation’s partnership with the Philippines and our crew’s connection with the Filipino people,” said Capt. Daryle Cardone, commanding officer of the aircraft carrier.

“While on liberty, Reagan sailors will have the chance to serve the local community, do some sightseeing, visit local stores and restaurants and to experience all that Manila offers. There is much for the crew to see and do, and we look forward to our visit.”

The aircraft carrier has around 5,000 crew, with 10 percent of them of Filipino descent.

Among them is Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Nigel Pasague, originally from Butuan City before moving to Cleveland when he was a teenager.

“It’s always good to return home to the Philippines,” he was quoted in an article released by the US Defense Department. “I look forward to experiencing the land, the culture and especially the food. It gives me a sense of pride to return as a US Navy sailor. I want to set an example that if I can do it, anyone can do it.”

According to the US Navy, the ship’s return to the Philippines is a vital aspect of its deployment as it strengthens the bond between the two countries.

Joint training

Meanwhile, members of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) joined marine troops from the Philippines and United States for the Kaagapay ng mga Mandirigma mula sa Dagat or KAMANDAG military exercises from Oct. 3 to 14.

According to the embassy, around 30 JGSDF personnel were deployed to participate in the annual exercise, where they conducted humanitarian assistance and disaster relief training with the Philippine and US Marine Corps.

The KAMANDAG exercise aims to improve humanitarian assistance and disaster relief capability and interoperability while fostering mutual understanding and cooperation among participants.