DND reviewing pacts with nations not supporting PH claims in WPS

(West Philippine Sea composite image from Inquirer, AFP, Reuters file photos)

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of National Defense (DND) is reviewing the country’s agreement with nations that “do not support” Philippine claims within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and features within the West Philippine Sea. 

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. made the pronouncement in a joint press conference with his New Zealand counterpart, Judith Collins, on Wednesday.  

“We are also in the process of reviewing the agreements with countries that do not support our claims and do not have a benefit to our defense and foreign policy position,” Teodoro said. 

“We have a host of existing defense agreements. Some are dormant. Some are with countries whose interests may not necessarily align with ours. So we will review how to move forward with these agreements,” he clarified in an ambush interview after the press conference. 

Teodoro revealed that the DND is reviewing approximately 50 memoranda of understanding. Asked about the nature of these agreements, Teodoro replied: “Just defense cooperation, exchanges, and the like.”

He added that the review is already ongoing and was prompted by “a management review.”

“That being said, our alliance-building measures are clearly defined now by countries with similar interests, particularly those that support our interests in the West Philippine Sea,” Teodoro said. 

Earlier Wednesday, the Philippines and New Zealand signed the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement, which will allow their militaries to hold joint drills and other security engagements.

The agreement was inked by Collins and Teodoro during the former’s courtesy call to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at Malacañang.