The Department of National Defense (DND) and the Royal Brunei Navy have reaffirmed their commitment to deepen bilateral defense and maritime cooperation, following high-level talks at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on June 22, 2026.
DND Senior Undersecretary and Officer-in-Charge Irineo Espino received First Admiral Sahibul Bahari bin Haji Zainal Abidin, Commander of the Royal Brunei Navy, during a courtesy call that underscored the continuing partnership between the two countries in regional security and maritime stability.
Both sides explored expanded cooperation in key areas, including maritime security, humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR), and naval interoperability. Officials said the discussions reflect a shared goal of strengthening operational coordination and sustaining long-standing defense ties between the Philippines and Brunei Darussalam.
First Admiral Sahibul, who is an alumnus of the National Defense College of the Philippines’ Master in National Security Administration program (Class of 2023), expressed appreciation for his academic training in the country, noting its role in strengthening professional defense links and people-to-people relations between the two nations.
He also recalled his earlier involvement in humanitarian response operations in Tacloban, Leyte, following Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in 2013, highlighting the importance of regional cooperation during large-scale disasters.
The two defense officials likewise expressed anticipation for the upcoming Maritime Training Activity (MTA) Seagull, which serves as a key platform for enhancing naval coordination, interoperability, and joint readiness between the Philippine Navy and the Royal Brunei Navy.
Both sides also looked forward to the next Philippines–Brunei Darussalam Joint Defense Working Committee (JDWC) meeting, building on the outcomes of the 9th JDWC session held in Manila in 2024, as part of continuing efforts to strengthen strategic defense engagement.
Defense officials said the continued exchanges reflect a broader commitment to maintaining stability in the region through sustained dialogue, training cooperation, and shared maritime security initiatives.