Philippines, Singapore boost defense cooperation

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines and Singapore will increase their defense and security cooperation to maintain regional stability amid the ongoing tensions in the disputed South China Sea.

President Benigno Aquino III announced this after meeting with Singaporean President Tony Tan Keng Yam during his state visit in Manila on Thursday.

"President Tan and I also discussed our countries’ defense and security cooperation, which includes high-level training, educational, and intelligence exchanges," Aquino said in a statement.

He said the Philippines proposed the holding of a Defense Dialogue in order to further strengthen cooperation between the two Southeast Asian nations.

The Philippines also welcomed the opportunity to host this year’s Asian Defense and Security exhibition on July 16 to 18, Aquino added.

"I believe that strengthening defense and security cooperation between the Philippines and Singapore is key to maintaining regional stability," the President said.

The two leaders also discussed the revival of the Philippines-Singapore Action Plan as a mechanism for expanding bilateral discussions.

The Action Plan provides a consolidated framework for strengthening bilateral cooperation, covering expansive areas including trade and investments, information technology, education, culture, defense and people-to-people exchanges.

"I look forward to the implementation of initiatives in these areas, knowing that it will have a positive impact on relations between the Philippines and Singapore," Aquino said.

Yolanda relief

Tan is on his first, four-day state visit in the country. On Saturday, he will go to the areas hit by Super Typhoon Yolanda such as Tacloban, Leyte and Basey, Western Samar.

Aquino took the opportunity to express the country's gratitude for Singapore's assistance in the wake of Super Typhoon Yolanda.

"Singapore was one of the first countries to reach out to the Filipino people in the wake of Typhoon Yolanda or Haiyan—and the assistance that their people and government gave is deeply appreciated," he said.

According to the President, Singapore deployed a Civil Defense Force team to assist the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Activities.

It also deployed a C-130 aircraft to support ferrying operations between Tacloban and Manila.

Aquino said cash and in-kind donations from Singapore consisted of $33,600 in emergency supplies, $96,000 in relief goods, and $160,000 as seed money for the Singapore Red Cross’ Typhoon Haiyan fund-raising drive.

More than $10 million has been raised by by the private sector, businesses, non-government organizations, the academe, as well as the overseas Filipino community in Singapore, Aquino said.