PH, US reaffirm alliance as Mutual Defense Treaty marks 75th year

The Department of National Defense (DND) on Sunday reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to its longstanding alliance with the United States (US) as the two countries marked the 75th anniversary of the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT).

In a statement, the DND described the treaty as a “cornerstone” of the two countries’ shared commitment to peace, stability and the defense of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

The DND said the alliance has evolved alongside an increasingly complex security environment, citing the growing scope of bilateral and multilateral military exercises, operational coordination, capability development, maritime security cooperation and humanitarian assistance and disaster response.

“These efforts have enhanced interoperability, strengthened deterrence, and demonstrated our collective resolve to uphold regional security and stability,” the DND said in a statement.

The Philippines and the US signed the MDT on Aug. 30, 1951, providing the framework for their defense alliance.

Over the years, the treaty has been reinforced by other defense arrangements, including the Visiting Forces Agreement and the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement.

The alliance has taken on added significance as the Philippines faces a more challenging regional security environment, particularly in the South China Sea, where tensions between Manila and Beijing have persisted.

The Philippines has also been accelerating the modernization of its armed forces and strengthening its external defense capabilities.

The DND said the Philippines and the US remain committed to building a “more sustainable, agile, and productive partnership” anchored on mutual respect, shared interests and international law.

It said the two countries will continue working to advance a rules-based international order, safeguard freedom of navigation, strengthen regional resilience and ensure the alliance remains a force for peace, security and prosperity.

AFP reaffirms alliance

Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said the MDT remains a cornerstone of the longstanding Philippine-American defense and security partnership.

It cited military exercises, maritime security cooperation, humanitarian assistance and disaster response and other engagements as key areas of continuing cooperation between the two armed forces.

“As we mark this milestone, the AFP reaffirms its commitment to further strengthen the alliance, enhance our defense capabilities and interoperability, and contribute to a free, open, peaceful, and secure Indo-Pacific,” it said. -Philippine News Agency