Philippine Secretary of National Defence Gilberto Teodoro Jr. raised the prospect of concluding additional Status of Visiting Forces Agreements (SOVFAs) with more like‑minded countries. The move is intended to bolster international peacekeeping cooperation and improve military interoperability, as he stated during the opening ceremony of the 13th Annual General Meeting and Workshop of the Association of Asia‑Pacific Peace Operations Training Centres in 2026.
According to Teodoro, broadening the network of SOVFAs would advance collective security efforts under the auspices of the United Nations. The Philippines already has such agreements in force with France, Canada, Australia, Japan and New Zealand. These instruments are grounded in shared principles including international law, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, military interoperability, collective security and deterrence.
He noted that the Philippines may pursue new SOVFAs with states that share its fundamental values. Such partnerships would enable more realistic joint training exercises, strengthen force protection, and improve delivery of essential services to conflict‑affected communities.
The Defence Secretary also called on the Armed Forces of the Philippines to engage actively with regional peacekeeping partners and explore avenues for deeper defence cooperation. Describing peacekeeping as a powerful instrument of military diplomacy, he highlighted its role in fostering knowledge exchange, professional ties and cross‑national partnerships among participating states. Teodoro emphasised the need for well‑defined rules of engagement, effective command‑and‑control structures, and adequate force protection measures. These safeguards allow peacekeepers to fulfil mandated tasks while minimising unnecessary risks, and help preserve the credibility and operational effectiveness of UN peacekeeping missions.
Beyond peacekeeping, the Philippines will push forward regional defence dialogues within the ASEAN framework. Teodoro will lead relevant discussions in Lapu‑Lapu City, Cebu, to deepen defence collaboration among ASEAN member states and the bloc’s dialogue partners.
In its capacity as 2026 ASEAN Chair, the Philippine Department of National Defence will host the 20th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) and the 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting‑Plus (ADMM‑Plus) on 28‑29 October under the overarching theme “Navigating Our Future, Together”. As the chair for both ADMM and ADMM‑Plus this year, Teodoro is set to hold bilateral meetings with his counterparts to discuss defence cooperation and issues of mutual concern.