2017 Philippines-United States Mutual Defense Board/Security Engagement Board (PH-US MDB/SEB) Held in Hawaii

The PH-US MDB/SEB Board members headed by the Co-Chairs, General Eduardo M. Ano, Chief of Staff, AFP and Admiral Harry B Harris Jr., Commander US Pacific Command, are joined by PHL Consul General Gina Jamoralin for a photo opportunity. Photo credit: U.S. Pacific Command

19 October 2017 HONOLULU - The PH-US MDB/SEB meeting was held at US Pacific Command Headquarters in Honolulu, Hawaii on September 28 to 29. The 52-man PH delegation was led by the Gen Eduardo M. Ano, Chief of Staff, AFP. 

Counter-Terrorism, the Marawi Crisis, and eradicating violent extremist organizations were the main agenda items during the meeting. Other equally important topics such as the West Philippine Sea, EDCA, Balikatan Exercises, Mutual Logistics Support Agreement, and DND/AFP Guidelines on the conduct of future bilateral exercises were also discussed.

On the sidelines of the MDB/SEB Meeting, the GHQ, PA, PN, PAF, PMC, PNP, DFA, DND, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), and the National Coast Watch Center (NCWC) also met their respective counterparts to discuss relevant issues.           

The PH and US agreed to bring back the level of the PH-US Exercises and wargames to the same scale, magnitude and scope as in the previous years. Overall, the result of meeting was very fruitful for both the PH and US sides. 

The MDB/SEB Co-Chairs will submit a Report to the Council of Foreign Ministers and issue the Strategic Guidance to the EXECOM based on the consensus reached during the MDB/SEB Meeting in Hawaii. The results of the meeting will flow into the Bilateral Strategic Dialogue in Washington DC on November 30 to December 01. END

For more information, visit  www.honolulupcg.dfa.gov.ph / www.philippineshonolulu.org or https://www.facebook.com/PHConsulateHonolulu.

Consul General Gina A. Jamoralin flanked by Office of American Affairs Executive Director Marshall Louis M. Alferez (left) and Gen. Eduardo M. Ano (right) at the Country Team Meeting at the Philippine Consulate General, before the MDB/SEB Meeting