The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) hosted top military leaders from across Southeast Asia for the 23rd ASEAN Chiefs of Defence Forces Meeting (ACDFM), reaffirming the region’s commitment to unity, stability, and stronger defense cooperation amid shifting security challenges.
AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr. led the meeting on May 21 at Conrad Hotel in Pasay City, Manila, with simultaneous participation through Cisco Webex.
Held under the theme “Securing Our Future, Together,” the meeting brought together defense chiefs and representatives from Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam.
The gathering underscored ASEAN’s shared responsibility in addressing regional and global security concerns through collective action, improved coordination, and deeper military cooperation.
During the meeting, member-states adopted the ASEAN Militaries Two-Year Activity Work Plan 2026–2028 and the 23rd ACDFM Joint Statement, both aimed at strengthening defense collaboration, interoperability, mutual trust, and regional resilience.
In his remarks, Brawner emphasized the importance of ASEAN Centrality and sustained defense cooperation, saying no country can confront today’s complex security challenges alone.
“In a world defined by unpredictability, no nation can stand alone,” General Brawner said.
He said the current security environment demands stronger coordination and a united response among ASEAN member-states.
“Our responses must be collective, coordinated, and comprehensive. Our unity is not just a sentiment, but a functional force,” he added.
Brawner also highlighted the shared identity of ASEAN nations, saying the region’s strength lies not only in each country’s military capability but also in its solidarity.
We are more than just neighboring states; we are, in many ways, SEAblings—siblings in Southeast Asia—bound by geography, history, culture, and a common aspiration for peace and prosperity,” he said.
The meeting ended with the symbolic handover of the ACDFM chairmanship from the Philippines to Singapore, which will host the 24th ACDFM in 2027.
Brawner expressed confidence in Vice Admiral Aaron Beng, Chief of Defence Force of the Singapore Armed Forces, as the incoming chair. He also assured Singapore of the AFP’s continued support in advancing ASEAN defense cooperation.
“We stand ready to work closely with you in further strengthening cooperation, mutual trust, and our shared commitment to a peaceful, secure, and stable ASEAN,” Brawner said.