Army chief welcomes suspension of termination of VFA with US

June 4, 2020

The commanding general of the Philippine Army welcomes the suspension of the termination of the country's Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the United States.

"The Philippine Army welcomes the decision to suspend the abrogation of the Visiting Forces Agreement, which will spur the continuance of mutual defense and cooperation between the two countries especially in our humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic," said Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay in a statement on Thursday.

"The Philippines and the United States have established a long relationship of working together which is anchored on the Mutual Defense Treaty," he said.

"We will continue to work with our US counterparts particularly on training and capacity-building to maintain mutual combat readiness and interoperability of both our militaries, learning from each other as we demonstrate resolve in the protection of our territory," he added.

Gapay made his statement after the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced the government's decision to suspend the abrogation of the agreement. Robina Asido/DMS