DEFENSE Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has hailed Brunei Darussalam’s valuable contribution in the ongoing peace process in Mindanao.
During his official visit to the Southeast Asian country, Teodoro met Minister Pehin Datu Lailaraja Maj. Gen. (retired) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof of the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Defense II, as relayed by Defense spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arsenio Andolong.
‘The two officials discussed common defense interests amid evolving regional security dynamics and exchanged views on peace and stability in Southeast Asia, with particular attention to developments in the Southern Philippines,’ Andolong said in a statement.
He added that Teodoro ‘acknowledged Brunei Darussalam’s contributions to the International Monitoring Team and the Independent Decommissioning Body-both of which support peace processes in Mindanao.’
Teodoro also presented the Philippines’ ongoing defense modernization efforts, which are focused on safeguarding national interests, ensuring maritime security, and supporting blue economy initiatives.
Andolong said Teodoro’s visit sought to strengthen bilateral defense cooperation between the two nations and address shared regional security priorities: ‘[The Secretary] also proposed increased collaboration in defense training and education between our two countries. He] also extended an invitation to his counterpart, Minister Pehin Halbi, to visit the Philippines for continued discussions on expanding both bilateral and multilateral defense cooperation.’
While in Brunei Darussalam, the Defense Department’s chief also met with Philippine ambassador Marian Jocelyn Tirol-Ignacio, as well as representatives of key partner countries. These include Australia, Canada, France, Germany, India, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
‘He provided updates on regional developments and sought support for the Philippines’ bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2027-2028 term,’ the spokesperson furthered.
A key highlight of the visit was Teodoro’s audience with Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaula, held at the Istana Nurul Iman-the Sultan’s official residence.
‘Secretary Teodoro’s official visit to Brunei Darussalam [underscored] the Philippines’ continued commitment to deepening defense relations and promoting regional peace, security, and prosperity,’ Andolong said.