FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila - The Commanding General, Philippine Army (CGPA) and the Commanding General, United States Army Pacific (USARPAC) pledged the strengthening of both armies yesterday, August 20, 2020.
Over a telephone call, Lt. Gen. Cirilito E. Sobejana and Gen. Paul J. Lacamera discussed matters on future bilateral trainings to further capacitate the two institutions amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sobejana and Lacamera are both looking forward to co-hosting the virtual conduct of Indo-Pacific Armies Management Seminar (IPAMS) and Senior Enlisted Leaders Forum (SELF) 2020; as well as the conduct of the virtual staff exercise between the PA’s Brigade Combat Team and USARPAC’s 5th Security Assistance Brigade.
The two Army chiefs also discussed about the country’s COVID-19 status and its impact to the internal security situation. Sobejana mentioned that despite the challenges caused by the pandemic, Filipino soldiers maintain a high level of motivation in doing their jobs as the Philippine Army prioritizes the health of the troops. Lacamera agreed with the CGPA on the importance of preserving the force in order ensure adequate manpower to perform various mission-essential tasks.
“The Philippine Army is grateful for the sustained partnership with our foreign counterparts that provides us with opportunities to enhance our capability in addressing various threats amid an evolving security environment. International cooperation is all the more crucial in the current global situation,” noted Sobejana.#