The Department of National Defense on Monday announced the revitalization of the defense and security bilateral relations of the Philippines and Singapore.
This came after the DND hosted the 6th Philippines-Singapore Defense Policy Dialogue from 19 to 20 July in Manila, which was also attended by a delegation from the Ministry of Defence of Singapore.
During the event, DND Assistant Secretary for Strategic Assessments and International Affairs, Pablo Lorenzo met with Singapore’s Deputy Secretary on Policy BGen. Kelvin Fan to discuss the existing bilateral ties between the two countries.
DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said both sides acknowledged the positive momentum of bilateral defense relations, marked by the signing of two defense arrangements over the past year.
Andolong said Lorenzo and Fan exchanged views and insights on the recent security developments in the region as well as future initiatives—which the two defense ministries could further discuss through bilateral and multilateral platforms.
He added the Singaporean side commended the Armed Forces of the Philippines on its counter-terrorism operations, citing that their efforts have contributed to a conducive environment for the establishment of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
Singapore expressed interest in learning the best practices and experience of the Philippines on counter-terrorism, according to Andolong.
In response, the Philippines looked forward to getting the chairmanship in the upcoming 2024 Counter-Terrorism Information Facility, to be initiated by the Singaporean government.
This aims to strengthen the regional intelligence capabilities of both countries to monitor and deter terrorist activities through research and analysis and information-sharing.
Andolong said the Philippines conveyed its interest to learn more about the recently established Digital and Intelligence Service of Singapore.
The officials hoped that the Philippines and Singapore could work toward the enhancement of their respective cybersecurity initiatives through subject matter expertise exchanges or SMEEs and information sharing.
“In addition, both sides saw a positive trajectory on enhanced bilateral cooperation through the establishment of working groups of the Philippine Air Force and the Philippine Navy with their respective counterparts at the Singaporean Armed Forces,” Andolong noted.
“Opportunities for education and training exchanges were also explored in support of the thrust of the Secretary of National Defense in improving the professionalization of the DND,” he added.