Kuala lumpur: Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Friday conveyed the Philippines' appreciation for the support and solidarity provided by ASEAN member-states in light of the recent earthquakes and cyclones that hit the country. "It is indeed a comfort that we can turn to our ASEAN neighbors for help in times of need," Teodoro said during the 19th ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

According to Philippines News Agency, Teodoro's participation in the 19th ADMM follows President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s attendance to the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits from Oct. 26 to 28. During the event, the DND chief also expressed the Philippines' strong support for the initiatives and vision of Malaysia's ADMM chairship, emphasizing that ASEAN's unity is vital amid rapidly evolving geopolitical challenges.

Teodoro reiterated the Philippines' complete support for the leadership of Malaysia and the theme of this year's ADMM, 'ASEAN Unity for Security and Prosperity'. He also reaffirmed the country's strong commitment to ASEAN Centrality, emphasizing that the region must remain at the core of regional peace and security efforts.

Teodoro stated, "We are fully committed in all our initiatives to working with our member states to implement all the initiatives that we adopt today for the security of our people and our region." He also commended Malaysian Defense Minister Dato' Seri Mohamed Khaled bin Nordin for his leadership, noting that the official managed to capture the essence of ASEAN solidarity amid evolving geopolitical changes.

Meanwhile, Khaled emphasized that ASEAN's strength rests on its shared values and collective commitment to peace. "We formed ASEAN, not as an alliance of power, but as a partnership for peace," the Malaysian defense official said.