U.S. INDOPACOM Commander Admiral Aquilino Calls on Secretary Locsin, Reiterates U.S. Commitment to the Alliance

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr. (left) receives U.S. INDOPACOM Commander Admiral John C. Aquilino (right) during the latter’s courtesy call today.  (DFA-OPCD Photo by Vanessa Ubac)

PASAY CITY, 24 AUGUST 2021 - Admiral John C. Aquilino, Commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM), paid a courtesy call on Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin Jr. yesterday as part of his two-day visit to Manila. 

During the call, ADM Aquilino welcomed the progress on the VFA as “a huge leap forward that puts stake on the ground for continued cooperation.” He assured the Secretary that the U.S. sees the Philippines and the U.S. as sovereign, equal defense partners in ensuring the peace and prosperity in the region, and reiterated the U.S.’ commitment to the Mutual Defense Treaty.

ADM Aquilino also expressed the U.S. INDOPACOM’s readiness to support vaccine delivery to the Philippines.

The INDOPACOM is the largest of six geographic combatant commands of the US Armed Forces. It is responsible for all U.S. military activities in the Indo-Pacific region and is the implementing body of all joint activities under the PH-US Mutual Defense Board and the Security Engagement Board, including the Balikatan Exercises. END

U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) Commander Admiral John C. Aquilino signs a guestbook upon arrival at the Department of Foreign Affairs. (DFA-OPCD Photo by Vanessa Ubac)