PHILIPPINES DEEPENS DEFENSE TIES WITH SINGAPORE AT SHANGRI-LA DIALOGUE

May 31, 2025 (Singapore) – Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. met with the new Singapore Minister for Defense Mr. Chan Chun Sing during a bilateral meeting  between the Philippines and Singapore at the sidelines of the 22nd IISS Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on 30 May 2025. 

In his meeting with Singapore Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing, both sides underscored the importance of strengthening defense cooperation through increased training engagements. Secretary Teodoro further highlighted the Philippines’ expansive training areas ideal for urban and airborne exercises and expressed interest in learning from Singapore’s experience operating the C-130J aircraft, especially in the areas of operations, maintenance, and cost-efficiency.

Minister Chan welcomed the proposals and invited Philippine special forces to conduct trainings in Singapore. He also expressed interest in reciprocal opportunities for Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) troops in the Philippines, as well as expanding collaboration in navigation flights; Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO); and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR).

Secretary Teodoro was joined by Philippine Ambassador to Singapore Medardo G. Macaraig, Undersecretary for Strategic Assessment and Planning Ignacio Madriaga, and other senior officials of the Department of National Defense.

Minister Chan was appointed Singapore’s Coordinating Minister for Public Services and Minister for Defense on 23 May 2025. He has concurrently served as Minister-in-charge of the Public Service since 1 May 2018. He also previously served as Minister for Education from May 2021 to May 2025.

Read the press release by the Department of National Defense here.