03 March 2017 ABU DHABI – Secretary of National Defense Delfin N. Lorenzana led the Philippine Delegation in the International Defence and Exhibition Conference (IDEX) 2017 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), Abu Dhabi, U.A.E from February 19 to 23.

A total of 1,235 companies representing 57 countries participated at IDEX 2017.

IDEX is the only international defense exhibition and conference in the Middle East and North African region.  It is under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

IDEX 2017 drawsmore than 100,000 visitors every year and serves as a platform for companies to showcase the latest military and security technologies for land, sea, and air.  It serves as an opportunity to strengthen the relationship among governments, armed forces, businesses, and private companies.

The attendance of the Philippine delegation in the said event is seen as an important step in modernizing the Philippine Armed Forces.

Philippine Ambassador to U.A.E Constancio R. Vingno, Jr. and Third Secretary and Vice Consul Rowena Pangilinan-Daquipil led other representatives from the Embassy who attended in the event.

The DND delegation was composed of Brigadier General Raymundo DV Elefante (Ret.), Undersecretary for Finance and Materiel; Rear Admiral Rafael G. Mariano (AFP), Vice Commander of the Philippine Navy; Brigadier General Roseller G. Murillo, Senior Military Assistant to the Secretary of Defense; Major Jacon A. Cordero, Security Officer to the Secretary of Defense; Major Ranier G. Mabus, Administrative Officer to the Secretary of Defense; and Captain Geralfredo C. Andal, Aide de Camp to the Secretary of Defense. Secretary Lorenzana was also accompanied by Mrs. Editha A. Lorenzana. END