The Philippines and Singapore have fortified their defense collaboration with the signing of a comprehensive defense pact on Wednesday. The agreement, which marks the anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, is designed to enhance military cooperation amidst rising regional tensions.
In a formal ceremony, Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and Singaporean Defense Minister Ng Eng Hen signed the memorandum of understanding. While specific details of the pact remain undisclosed, it is known to focus on military education and anti-terrorism initiatives. According to Singapore's Defense Ministry, the agreement builds upon existing cooperation in education, training, and humanitarian aid.
The new pact does not include large-scale joint combat exercises but may involve limited drills, such as tabletop simulations for humanitarian crises. This aligns with the Philippine government's strategy of forging new security alliances in response to ongoing tensions with China over the South China Sea. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has underscored the importance of peaceful resolutions and strengthening alliances in light of territorial disputes with China.
