The Philippine Star reports that “the Philippines and the United States are charting a new direction for their militaries in a 21st century security partnership to address shared security concerns, respond to natural and man-made disasters and confront transnational threats, a joint statement said.”

“’We expect a robust, balanced and responsive security partnership manifested in mutually beneficial bilateral military training, exercises and operations, provided by an increased rotational and temporary presence of US military forces from Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)-controlled facilities,’ the statement said.”

“The statement signed by AFP chief Gen. Emmanuel Bautista and Gen. Martin Dempsey, chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, described the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty as the foundation of Phl-US relationship which must remain responsive and modernized to address shared security challenges.”