President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. received Admiral Samuel Paparo, the new commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM), at Malacañang Palace on Tuesday, signaling a key move in further strengthening the defense alliance between the country and the U.S.
Paparo, who succeeded Admiral John Aquilino on May 3, as the head of INDOPACOM, is in the Philippines to participate in the Annual Meeting of the Mutual Defense Board and Security Engagement Board (MDB-SEB).
Malacañang said his visit also includes engaging in strategic discussions and planning activities for 2025, highlighting the ongoing cooperation between the two nations in maintaining regional security.
In his opening remarks, President Marcos expressed his gratitude to Paparo for making Malacañang a part of his itinerary.
“Since your new appointment I’m sure I’ll be seeing more of you. I’m going to see you and you’re coming to see us. We have a great deal of, there are great many subjects that will be discussed, many decisions that we have to make for the United States and for the Philippines,” President Marcos said.
The dialogue between Marcos and Paparo emphasized the importance of the U.S.-Philippines alliance, particularly in the context of regional security challenges.
President Marcos noted that Paparo’s planned visits to several Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites would provide valuable insights into the operational realities on the ground, further enhancing mutual understanding and cooperation.
Paparo delivered an address at the Military Law and Operations Conference (MILOPS) on August 27, followed by a site visit to an EDCA location on August 28.
“His itinerary will conclude with the 2024 MDB-SEB Meeting on August 29 in Baguio City, where both countries will continue discussions on joint defense initiatives.
Established on January 1, 1947, INDOPACOM is the oldest and largest of the United States’ Unified Combatant Commands, responsible for a vast area that includes the Asia-Pacific region.
INDOPACOM conducts freedom of navigation operations, which are critical for upholding international laws, such as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). These operations ensure that key maritime routes remain open and accessible, vital for global trade and regional economic stability.
