Philippines, Brunei to enhance defense ties

MANILA, Philippines - The armies of the Philippines and Brunei are eyeing joint exercises and training to strengthen cooperation and improve interoperability.

The proposal was discussed during the meeting of Philippine Army chief Lt. Gen. Eduardo Año and Royal Brunei Land Forces (RBLF) commander Brig. Gen. Pengiran Dato Paduka Aminan in Fort Bonifacio yesterday.

Año said a bilateral working group can be formed to facilitate the conduct of visits, training exchanges, joint military exercises and other similar activities.

“I believe that as we put in place an Army to Army Working Group, our forces can examine our common capabilities as well as concerns and eventually promote Philippines-Brunei bilateral defense ties,” Año said.

“I am certain that the RBLF has much to share with the Philippine Army in terms of capability upgrades, especially after your successful initiatives in enhancing force capabilities and defense policies,” he added.

Aminan is hopeful that the security ties between the two countries would continue.