Secretary of War Pete Hegseth met with Philippine Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. on May 30 to reaffirm their ironclad commitment to the U.S.-Philippine Mutual Defense Treaty and shared determination to ensure a stable peace in the Indo-Pacific.
The two leaders discussed progress on operational cooperation and posture initiatives, including investments in critical infrastructure and storage facilities at strategic locations across the Philippines. They announced the signing of a new 15-year Communications Interoperability and Security Memorandum of Agreement (CISMOA) to streamline secure information sharing. The leaders also welcomed the successful conclusion of the 41st Exercise BALIKATAN, which included groundbreaking training in joint fires, coastal defense, and maritime security.
Secretary Hegseth and Secretary Teodoro reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening deterrence in the South China Sea. Secretary Hegseth announced the provision of a decommissioned U.S. Coast Guard cutter to the Philippine Coast Guard to bolster the Philippines' ability to protect its interests in the region