Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero met with United States Air Force Secretary Heather Ann Wilson over the weekend wherein both discussed wide- ranging issues.
The meeting was part of Wilson’s three-day visit in the country, which included calls on Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana and top Philippine Air Force (PAF) officials.
During their meeting, Guerrero thanked Wilson for US support in the successful operations against the Maute-IS Group in Marawi City, especially in capability and technical cooperation.
The US provided technical support to the operating troops during the five months of operations that freed Marawi from the clutches of local and international terrorists.
Among others, the US provided a surveillance place and a drone during the operation, which helped Filipino troops monitor the movements and identify the locations of the terrorists.
During their meeting, Guerrero also thanked Wilson over the US military’s continuing assistance to the Armed Forces, especially in developing the capabilities of the PAF.
Two of the Philippine Navy’s latest addition to its frigates, the BRP Gregorio del Pilar and the BRP Ramon Alcaraz, came from the US.
Wilson talked about the mutual benefits of bilateral training between the United States and PAF, including live-fire exercises.
Both officials agreed that peace and security is essential in Southeast Asia.
Wilson is the 24th secretary of the Air Force, one of the three components of the US Department of Defense. She is responsible in organizing, training and equipping of the 660,000 US Air Force personnel.
With a report from PNA