Manila, Aug. 10 -- The Philippines' bid to beef up its defensive capabilities through partnership with the United States got further boost following the signing of the 2027 Mutual Defense Board-Security Engagement Board (MDB-SEC) Plan of Activities, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said Monday.

In a news release, the AFP said the signing was held on Aug. 7 during a meeting in Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City between AFP chief Gen. Antonio Nafarrete and United States Pacific Command (USPACOM) head Adm. Samuel John Paparo Jr..

"The meeting focused on enhancing joint training and exercises, advancing defense capability development, strengthening maritime security cooperation, and expanding collaboration in other areas of shared stra...