US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that the United States will provide a decommissioned Coast Guard cutter to the Philippine Coast Guard to strengthen its maritime defense capabilities.
He and Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. met in Singapore during the Shangri-La Dialogue, where they reaffirmed their commitment to the Mutual Defense Treaty and stronger Indo-Pacific security cooperation.
Both sides also signed a 15-year agreement to improve secure communications and welcomed the completion of Exercise Balikatan, which featured joint military and maritime drills.
The US reiterated support for Philippine efforts to monitor its Exclusive Economic Zone and strengthen deterrence in the South China Sea.
Meanwhile, Philippine and US forces conducted maritime exercises in the West Philippine Sea, while the AFP reported no coordinated Chinese military exercises in the area.
Source: PhilNews24 | June 1, 2026
PHILIPPINES, US STRENGTHEN DEFENSE TIES, REAFFIRM MUTUAL DEFENSE TREATY
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