MANILA — U.S. National Security Advisor (NSA) Robert C. O’Brien visited the Philippines on Monday, Nov. 23, to affirm the strength of the U.S.-Philippines alliance and the depth of the broader bilateral relationship. 

O’Brien met with Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Secretary of Foreign Affairs Teodoro Locsin Jr., Secretary of Finance Carlos “Sonny” Dominguez, National Security Advisor Hermogenes Esperon, Undersecretary for the Department of National Defense (DND) Cardozo Luna, and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Deputy Chief of Staff Rear Admiral Erick Kagaoan in Manila, according to statement issued by the U.S. Embassy in Manila.

During the meeting, O’Brien also announced the delivery of new U.S. military assistance in support of the Philippines’ emergency counter-terrorism needs.  He also announced additional disaster relief for recent typhoon victims. 

At the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the U.S. official participated in the ceremonial handover of a tranche of precision-guided munitions to the Armed Forces of the Philippines. 

This assistance will support the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ efforts to defeat ISIS-East Asia in the Southern Philippines, the Embassy statement said. 

Present at the handover were Secretary of Foreign Affairs Locsin, who welcomed O’Brien to the DFA, and senior DND and AFP officials.    

Following the recent typhoons that ravaged the Philippines and forced thousands of people from their homes, O’Brien announced an additional Php169 million ($3.5 million) in U.S. humanitarian assistance to disaster-stricken communities. 

The United States Agency for International Development will work with implementing partners to address shelter, logistics, cash, water, sanitation and hygiene needs of typhoon victims. 

O’Brien also underscored ongoing U.S. assistance for the Philippines’ response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

During meetings with senior Philippine officials, O’Brien stressed the importance of the U.S.-Philippines alliance to national and regional security, discussed opportunities for greater bilateral economic engagement, and highlighted the deep bonds connecting the U.S. and Philippine peoples. 

He also raised the importance of maritime security and freedom of the seas, underscoring U.S. support for the Philippines’ sovereign rights to offshore resources in the South China Sea, consistent with its rights and obligations under international law.

Before departing the Philippines, O’Brien laid a wreath at the Manila American Cemetery to honor the sacrifice and pay respects to the more than 17,000 fallen U.S. and Filipino soldiers buried there. 

The Philippines was one of several stops in a three-country Indo-Pacific trip, following O’Brien’s participation in the November 14 virtual U.S.-ASEAN Summit, where he dialogued with Southeast Asian partners to underscore the enduring U.S. commitment to ASEAN centrality and a free and open Indo-Pacific region. ~