‘US-Philippines alliance key to regional security’

MANILA, Philippines — In the wake of the developing security landscape in the South and East China Seas, a visiting US Marine commander emphasized the importance of US-Philippine relations to the Indo-Pacific region.

Lt. Gen. Lewis Craparotta, US Marine Forces Pacific (MARFORPAC) commander, pointed this out during his series of meetings with key military and security officials.

The US embassy said Craparotta had a meeting with Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Benjamin Madrigal and Philippine Marine commander Maj. Gen. Alvin Parreno.

They discussed the partnership of the US Marine Corps and the AFP.

“This week we are here to focus on training, readiness and interoperability, not just for today and 2020, but really for the future… This is a long and lasting critical partnership for the region,” Craparotta said.

He said discussions also centered on future launching of joint Marine exercises in the country.

Parreno, for his part, assured Craparotta the Philippine Marines have always been ready and responsive to address the defense and security challenges of the Pacific region.

“Discussed topics also strengthened the trust and confidence that we have and promote mutual security interests as well as contributing to global and security, peace security and stability,” Parreno said.

Craparotta’s visit to the Philippines, his first since taking command of the MARFORPAC in August last year, is also to frame future engagements of US and Philippine Marines in the country.  –  With Pia Lee-Brago