00:00U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth arrived in Manila on Thursday, marking his first international visit.
00:06His discussions with the Department of National Defense centered on reinforcing bilateral and multilateral partnerships
00:12with a strong commitment to supporting the modernization of the Philippine military.
00:16PTV correspondent Isaiah Mirafuentes has the full report.
00:22U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth arrived in the Philippines last night.
00:26Earlier this morning, he went to Malacanang for a courtesy call on President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos, Jr.
00:32He arrived at Camp Aguinaldo at 11.23 a.m. and was welcomed by the Philippine Army General Romeo Browner, Jr.
00:38After the welcome arrival, he was accompanied by Defense Secretary Guilbao Teodoro for the guestbook signing.
00:44The Philippines is one of the first countries he visited in Asia.
00:47According to Philippine Defense Secretary Guilbao Teodoro,
00:50a strengthening bilateral and multilateral partnership was one of the topics discussed during the visit of the U.S. Defense Secretary.
00:56In a statement by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said that the United States will help further boost the Philippine military modernization program.
01:03He also said that America will not leave the Philippines and help the country uphold its sovereignty.
01:08This morning, I also had a chance to meet with President Marcos and Secretary Teodoro.
01:13And I just had a, as I described, very productive discussion about how to not just continue but accelerate the progress in U.S.-Philippines alliance.
01:25We will also implement a bilateral cyber campaign to strengthen cyber security, Secretary Teodoro approved.
01:31Hegseth stated that this is just the beginning of the continuing good relation between the Philippines and the United States.
01:37I can assure you, and I can assure all those watching, this is just the beginning of what will continue to be an incredibly fruitful alliance.
01:46We will achieve peace through strength.
01:50We do not seek war, we seek peace.
01:53But those who long for peace must prepare for war.
01:56And we stand united shoulder to shoulder.
01:59Secretary Teodoro believes that the relationship between the Philippines and the United States is essential because to maintain good security in the country.
02:08The Philippines is prepared and is in fact taking a more active role in rallying our other allies and like-minded nations to resist any attempt to change international law by a quiescence or a faux compli in the South China Sea.
02:28The number of status of visiting forces agreements that we are entering into is for the rules-based international order is proof of this.
02:38The Philippine government believes that the country's alliance with other countries will not be cause of any conflict.
02:44While Secretary Teodoro stated that the Hegeseths will remain in the country.
02:48They will remain as such and enhanced development will be taken there on.
02:54On the multi-medium range capabilities, we will neither confirm nor deny any deployments.
03:03We will train as we see fit and the Philippine Armed Forces will equip as it sees fit.
03:11After Capaginado, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegeseth immediately went to the American Cemetery in Taquilla.
03:17Also included in the countries Hegeseth will visit are Vietnam and Japan.
