Secretary of War Pete Hegseth met with Philippine Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. on October 28.
The two leaders discussed progress on security cooperation, alliance modernization, and posture initiatives. They agreed to launch an alliance command and control modernization sprint to enhance real-time bilateral coordination and strengthen alliance resilience. They also welcomed progress operationalizing the bilateral Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement sites, including investments in critical infrastructure and storage facilities across the Philippines. Secretary Hegseth announced an increase in the Department of War's security cooperation funds to accelerate the Armed Forces of the Philippines' modernization and enhance interoperability along the First Island Chain.
