The Philippines and the United Kingdom reaffirmed their commitment to stronger defense cooperation as Manila welcomed a new defense attaché from London while honoring his predecessor.
In a meeting at Camp Aguinaldo on Tuesday, AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., thanked outgoing UK Defense Attaché, Royal Air Force Group Captain Bea Walcot, for her role in deepening military ties between two the democratic countries.
Specifically, the AFP chief cited her contributions to joint training, maritime domain awareness, and high-level defense dialogues.
Walcot was accompanied by her successor, Royal Navy Captain Tony Stockbridge during the call.
Brawner expressed optimism that the joint initiatives that began under Walcot would continue under Stockbridge’s leadership.
“The United Kingdom continues to serve as a vital defense partner of the Philippines, engaging in high‑level defense dialogues, signing joint training and cooperation agreements, and advancing maritime domain awareness initiatives to strengthen regional peace and stability,” AFP said in a statement.
On Wednesday, Philippine Navy Flag Officer in Command Vice Admiral Jose Ma. Ambrosio Ezpeleta hosted both officers at Navy headquarters in Manila.
Ezpeleta commended Walcot’s nearly three-year tenure in fostering naval cooperation and welcomed Stockbridge, assuring the Navy’s full support in sustaining close maritime collaboration.
“The United Kingdom continues to serve as a vital defense partner of the Philippines, engaging in high‑level defense dialogues, signing joint training and cooperation agreements, and advancing maritime domain awareness initiatives to strengthen regional peace and stability,” AFP said in a statement.
