Quezon City: The Philippines has been boosting its defense expenditures to enable its military to foster stronger cooperation with allies, a ranking National Security Council (NSC) official said. NSC Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya made this remark after United States President Donald Trump called on allies, including members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), to beef up their defense spending to at least 2 percent of their gross domestic product.
According to Philippines News Agency, Malaya emphasized the country's efforts in enhancing its defense budget, highlighting the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC). This initiative necessitates substantial investments in defense, military, and security spending. The CADC aims to protect the Philippines' domains, including its 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone, by allocating more resources towards the Rehorizon 3 of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program. This program focuses on acquiring equipment and weapon systems for the country's external defense and territorial security.
US missile system deployment has become a topic of discussion, with Malaya clarifying that the presence of the US Medium Range Capability Typhon missile system in the Philippines is not intended for offensive purposes. He explained that the deployment is part of the 'Balikatan' exercises aimed at training Filipino troops in utilizing such systems. The Philippines has expressed interest in acquiring these systems, similar to its purchase of the BrahMos missile system.
The missile system, which arrived in the Philippines last year, was used during joint exercises with American forces. Malaya reiterated that its purpose aligns with the CADC, emphasizing its role in defense rather than aggression. He stated that this deployment is a sovereign decision by the Philippine government, aimed at protecting the country's territorial integrity.
China has previously criticized the deployment of the missile system, expressing concerns about its impact on regional peace and security.
