Philippines, Australia army chiefs discuss regional cooperation

September 9, 2019

Philippine and Australian Army chiefs discussed regional cooperation in a meeting at the 2019 Indo-Pacific Armies Chief Conference in Thailand on Monday.

Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, Philippine Army spokesman, said the meeting between Philippine Army Commanding General Lt. Gen Macairog Alberto and his Australian counterpart Lt. Gen. Richard Maxwell Burr was held in Bangkok Monday.

"The meeting between the two armies focused on the discussion of regional cooperation in addressing evolving threats, security challenges, and sustaining peace in both countries," he said.

Zagala said Alberto shared "the Philippine government’s effort in supporting the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) through amendment of laws supporting anti-terrorism operations". 

"He (Alberto) also introduced the concept of the Brigade Combat Team and the Philippine Army’s senior leaders gathering to discuss hybrid, future, and current threats as one of the command’s strategies and best practices," he said

Zagala said "Burr mentioned that the Philippine Army’s experience is 'illuminating [the] Australia[n Army]'."

"Burr expressed his support to the intelligence efforts of the Philippine Army as well as in both armies’ commitment and shared efforts in preparing future-ready land force in their respective countries," he said.

Zagala added that Alberto and Burr extended their invitation for further discussions and cooperation.

“The Philippine Army’s participation on mutual discussions and cooperation with other countries is important in leading both armies to learn new perspectives and skills needed in facing current and future security threats in the regional and international zones,” he said. Robina Asido/DMS