SENIOR Undersecretary Carlito G. Galvez Jr., officer in charge of the Department of National Defense (DND), emphasized that developing the nation's defense capabilities through bilateral efforts such as the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) with the United States aims to build deterrence, and is not for engaging in war or interfering in the domestic affairs of other nations.

'The geopolitical situation is becoming more precarious by the day,' said Galvez. 'Our projects under EDCA and our other defense partnerships are not intended for aggression. We are not preparing for war, rather we aim to develop our defense capabilities against eventualities and threats to our security.'