United States VP Kamala Harris Visits the Philippines
United States Vice President Kamala Harris arrives in the Philippines last November 20, 2022, with Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff to reaffirm the defense alliance with the Philippines to strengthen our economic relationship. She started her visit by meeting with President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., as well as Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio to discuss state matters before participating in a moderated conversation entitled “Empowering Women and Girls” with an audience of young Filipino women to demonstrate the US’ continued support for human rights and democratic values—the first event of its kind for the VP to have done overseas since taking office.
United States Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin visited Zamboanga City 01 February 2023 as the most senior American defense official to set foot in Mindanao since US troops were deployed to assist the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in its war against terrorism in 2002.
Sec. Austin, few from Ages Ramp in Manila to Zamboanga- Edwin Andrews Air Base aboard the US Air Force C-40 Clipper a military version of the Boeing 737 Next Generation used to transport cargo and passengers.
Austin’s visit to the Westmincom was his first engagement with the AFP since he arrived, opening an opportunity for him to personally find out the security situation in Mindanao, where local forces are still battling remnants of terror groups.