Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. Pacific Command Reinforce ‘Historic Alliance’

Photo By Chief Petty Officer James Mullen | CAMP H.M. SMITH, Hawaii (Sept. 28, 2017)—Adm. Harry Harris, Commander of U.S. Pacific Command (PACOM), and Gen. Eduardo Año, Chief of Staff for the Armed Forces of the Philippines, sign paperwork for the Mutual Defense Board (MDB) and Security Engagement Board (SEB). During Año’s two-day visit to PACOM, he and Harris discussed changes to the MDB and SEB. The MDB provides direct liaison and consultation on military matters of mutual concern to develop and improve both countries’ common defense. The SEB provides the framework and mechanism for continuing liaison and consultation on non-traditional threats to security such as terrorism, transnational crimes, maritime security, and natural and man-made disasters. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class James Mullen/Released)  

UNITED STATES

10.02.2017

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class James Mullen 

U.S. Indo-Pacific Command         

CAMP H.M. SMITH, Hawaii— Gen. Eduardo Año, Chief of Staff for the Armed Forces of the
Philippines, met with Adm. Harry Harris, commander of U.S. Pacific Command (PACOM), for the Mutual
Defense Board and Security Engagement Board (MDB-SEB) at PACOM headquarters Sept. 28.
The MDB-SEB helps coordinate the framework for defense and security cooperation between the U.S.
and Philippine militaries.
"The armed forces of our two nations have reinforced our historic alliance - a special bond rooted in
shared values, shared commitments, and shared security threats such as ISIS,” said Harris. “We must
continue our mutual efforts to protect our nations and provide the very best defense possible."
One focus of this year’s MDB-SEB was a new counter-terrorism initiative which enhances the current
level of assistance the U.S. provides.
The agreement to establish the MDB was in 1958 while the SEB was established in 2006. The two boards
came together as both countries shared a common goal of improving interoperability of the parties’
forces.
While in Hawaii, Año also observed 2nd Battalion, 3rd Regiment Marines as they conducted urban
operations at the Marine Corps Training Area in Bellows Beach. The Marines demonstrated their
capabilities in urban environments to Año and component commanders.
The successful completion of the MDB-SEB ensures cooperation between the U.S. and the Philippines
will continue in areas involving humanitarian assistance, maritime security, cyber security, disaster relief
and other national security interests.

• Date Taken: 10.02.2017
• Date Posted: 10.02.2017 23:16
• Story ID: 250355
• Location: US