The Philippines and Singapore reaffirmed their security partnership during the eighth Philippines-Singapore Defense Policy Dialogue (DPD) held in Bohol on July 30, focusing on regional security challenges and strengthening military cooperation.
Led by Philippine Assistant Secretary for International Affairs Marita Yoro and Singapore’s Deputy Secretary (Policy) Frederick Choo, the meeting marked a continued effort to operationalize the 2024 Memorandum of Understanding on Defense Cooperation, signed by the defense ministers of both nations last year.
The two sides reviewed the progress of their Five-Year Defense Engagement Plan for 2024–2029, discussing updates on bilateral programs including proposed training exchanges in urban warfare and maintenance support for C-130 aircraft.
Discussions also touched on emerging threats in the West Philippine Sea and South China Sea, maritime choke point vulnerabilities, and risks to critical underwater infrastructure.
Officials also revisited the prospect of finalizing a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA), which would formalize arrangements for future troop deployments and joint activities between the two countries.
Both delegations expressed commitment to strengthening collaboration within multilateral frameworks such as the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) and ADMM-Plus, with an eye on upcoming hosting responsibilities—by the Philippines in 2026 and Singapore in 2027.
Yoro reiterated Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.’s invitation for Singaporean Defense Minister Chan Chun Sing to make an official visit to the Philippines.
