PH, Aussie armies beef up linkages

MANILA -- The Philippine Army (PA) and its Australian counterpart have further tightened bilateral relationship during the 2019 Indo-Pacific Army

Chiefs Conference, which was held in Bangkok, Thailand, 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, PA spokesperson Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said.

In line with this, PA chief Lt. Gen. Macairog S. Alberto shared efforts of the Philippine government to support its Armed Forces through amendment of laws supporting antiterrorism operations.

He also introduced the concept of the Brigade Combat Team and the PA’s senior leaders gathering to discuss hybrid, future, and current threats as one of the command’s strategies and best practices.

On the other hand, Australian Army head Lt. Gen. Richard Maxwell Burr mentioned that the Philippine Army’s experience is “illuminating (the) Australia(n) (Army)”.

The Australian official expressed his support to the intelligence efforts of the PA, as well as to both armies’ commitment and shared efforts in preparing future-ready land force in their respective countries.

The chiefs of both armies also exchanged invitations for further discussions and cooperation.

“The PA’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,” Zagala said. (PNA)