Israeli defense attache discusses areas of cooperation with Philippine Army chief

January 23, 2020

The defense attaché of Israel to the Philippines met Philippine Army chief Lt. Gen Gilbert Gapay on Wednesday where they discussed plans how to strengthen both sides' capabilities.

"During the courtesy call rendered by Col. Shimon Edri to Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay, the two Army officers talked about PA’s plans of conducting a longer training period as well as coming up with an army-to-army working group in order to further capacitate the force in addressing terrorism,"said Lt Col. Ramon Zagala, Army spokesman.

Zagala said Edri looked forward in sharing and gaining knowledge and techniques in countering terrorism threats between the two armies as he expressed interest on the Philippine Army's experience during the Marawi siege.

“Marawi is a major challenge for the Philippine Army to build its forces. (It) is a huge experience, but the main issue here is, not (to again face) another situation,” Edri said.

Zagala said "Gapay and Edri also talked about PA’s equipment acquisition and transfer to be utilized in the exchange trainings."

“It is also the direction of the Army to really invest in these things and activities. Prospects are very bright for our army-to-army cooperation,” said Gapay.

Zagala said Edri mentioned he will bring the right people to train Army trainors." Robina Asido/DMS