The United States increased security cooperation funds in its Department of War to accelerate the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) but no amount was not mentioned.

It was announced by United States Secretary of War Pete Hegseth during his meeting with Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. in Cebu on Wednesday.

"Secretary Hegseth announced an increase in the Department of War's security cooperation funds to accelerate the Armed Forces of the Philippines' modernization and enhance interoperability along the First Island Chain," the Department of War said in a readout.

The First Island Chain refers to the chain of islands encompassing Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, and Indonesia.

Aside from "alliance modernization" the two leaders also discussed progress on security cooperation and posture initiatives of the US and Philippines.

"They agreed to launch an alliance command and control modernization sprint to enhance real-time bilateral coordination and strengthen alliance resilience," it stated.

"They also welcomed progress operationalizing the bilateral Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement sites, including investments in critical infrastructure and storage facilities across the Philippines," it added.

Hegseth arrived in Cebu on Tuesday to attend the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) - Plus from Wednesday to Thursday (Oct. 28 to 29). Robina Asido/PHS