Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. met with United States Secretary of War Pete Hegseth in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, on Wednesday to advance bilateral security cooperation, alliance modernization, and defense readiness.

Both officials reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the longstanding Philippines-US defense alliance, agreeing to launch a Command-and-Control (C2) Modernization Sprint to enhance real-time coordination and alliance resilience. They also welcomed progress in operationalizing Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites, including investments in critical infrastructure and storage facilities across the Philippines.

As the two countries mark the 75th anniversary of their Mutual Defense Treaty this year, Teodoro expressed appreciation for US support in maritime security and humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR). Both sides emphasized the need to accelerate bilateral and multilateral cooperation in support of their shared interests, values, and regional peace and stability. Department of National Defense