Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. is considering expanding the Philippines’ Status of Visiting Forces Agreements (SOVFAs) with like-minded countries to strengthen international peacekeeping cooperation and improve military interoperability.
The Philippines currently has SOVFAs with France, Canada, Australia, Japan, and New Zealand, based on shared principles of international law, collective security, and regional stability.
Teodoro said additional agreements could support more realistic joint training exercises, strengthen force protection, and improve assistance to communities affected by conflict.
He also urged the Armed Forces of the Philippines to deepen cooperation with regional peacekeeping partners and explore opportunities for greater defense collaboration under the United Nations.
The proposal comes as the Philippines prepares to host the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting and the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting-Plus in Cebu on October 28 and 29, 2026, as part of its ASEAN chairship.
Source: PhilNews24 | October 27, 2026
