“We are truly honored by Admiral Locklear’s visit, as it reaffirms the strong alliance and the good relations between our armed forces,” military chief General Jessie Dellosa said in a statement.
“Coming after our bilateral meeting in Singapore last month, this visit further strengthens our bondband shared history, especially in the light of current regional developments in the Asia Pacific, and other areas of engagement between our two militaries.”
Locklear’s three-day visit includes a visit to Camp General Basilio Navarro in Zamboanga Tuesday to visit the US Armed Forces Joint Special Operations Task Force.
The JSOTF-P works with the AFP military to fight terrorism and deliver humanitarian assistance to the people of Mindanao at the request of Philippine government.
“This visit is a gesture of sincerity in upholding the mutual trust and respect between the Philippines and the United States. Thus, in line with this commitment to unity and goodwill, the AFP gives you full assurance of our support to your leadership, and to future joint endeavors between our two organizations,” Dellosa added.
Locklear arrived at Camp Aguinaldo past 3 p.m. to meet Dellosa and Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin afterwards.
The meeting will include a discussion of “security issues that has bearing on regional security and stability,” spokesman Colonel Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos Jr. told reporters.
It will also include “efforts on counter terrorism, bilateral training…that further enhances defense ties and partnership with US armed forces,” he added.
