Manila, Aug. 19 -- The Philippines and the United States have approved more than 500 joint military activities for 2026 during the recent Mutual Defense Board-Security Engagement Board (MDB-SEB).

The annual MDB-SEB, held at Camp Smith, Hawaii on Aug. 7 and 8, was co-chaired by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner and US Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) Commander Adm. Samuel Paparo.

In a statement on Tuesday, INDOPACOM said the two officials signed the annual 8-Star memo and activities list, approving guidance and plans for continued collaboration, including Exercise "Balikatan" for 2026.

The INDOPACOM said the joint engagements xinclude large-scale exercises and smaller subject matter expert exchanges.

During...