PR-043-2024
22 April 2024, Singapore – Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Romeo S. Brawner Jr. called on Senior Minister of State (SMS) for Defence Mr. Heng Chee How at the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) on 18 April 2024. The two officials reaffirmed the warm and friendly bilateral defense relations between the Philippines and Singapore, and exchanged views on important global and regional developments.
SMS Heng welcomed both countries’ regular interactions through visits, professional exchanges, multilateral meetings and exercises. These interactions have enhanced the professionalism and mutual understanding between the personnel from both armed forces.
General Brawner also called on Chief of Defence Force Vice Admiral (VADM) Aaron Beng, after inspecting the Guard of Honour at MINDEF. He visited the Counter-Terrorism Information Facility and the ADMM Cybersecurity and Information Centre of Excellence at Changi Naval Base.
The visit of General Brawner to Singapore marks the first time that an AFP Chief of Staff has made an introductory visit to Singapore, upon the invitation by his Singaporean counterpart, VADM Beng. His visit was in conjunction with the 55th anniversary of the establishment of Philippines-Singapore diplomatic relations this year.
General Brawner was accompanied in the courtesy call on SMS Heng by Philippine Embassy Deputy Head of Mission and Consul General Emmanuel R. Fernandez, Brigadier General (BGEN) Joel M. Paloma PA, BGEN Patriarch Robinson P. Pel PA, Colonel Walter P. Icaro PA (MNSA), Philippine Defense and Armed Forces Attaché Capt. Sherwin E. Respeto PN (GSC), Captain Jerome I. Peñas PA and Embassy Attaché Ivanah Karla F. Vicencio-Luz. (END).
