(UPDATES) NEWLY designated United States Indo-Pacific Command Chief Admiral Samuel Paparo on Wednesday visited the Basa Air Base in Pampanga, which has been upgraded under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).
Armed Forces of the Philippines Public Affairs chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad said Paparo, accompanied by Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., visited the air base facilities as part of their Mutual Defense Board Security Engagement Board meeting.
Top defense and military officials will hold the meeting in Baguio City to discuss pressing defense and security matters, including China's aggressive and coercive actions in the West Philippine Sea.
The meeting underscores the commitment of the Philippines and the US to uphold the principles of international law in the Indo-Pacific region.
Nine EDCA sites have been established in vital locations across the country. The US is reportedly asking the Philippine government for more sites.
Trinidad said the inspection focused on the improvements that will enhance the operational capabilities of the Philippine Air Force and promote joint interoperability between the two armed forces.
Brawner said the improvements at Basa Air Base 'demonstrate our commitment to strengthening our defense capabilities and ensuring that our forces are prepared to respond to any security challenge.'