Manila, Aug. 28 -- Philippine Army (PA) chief, Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, on Wednesday met with United States Army I Corps commander Lt. Gen. Matthew McFarlane to discuss ways to beef up the external defense capabilities of Filipino troops.

In a statement on Thursday, PA spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala said the two officials met at the PA headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

During the meeting, Nafarrete and McFarlane discussed the long-standing alliance between the Philippines and the US, Dema-ala said.

"(Also discussed was the) US Army's role in helping advance the PA's external defense capabilities," he added.

Nafarrete zeroed in on areas of engagement, such as sustainment, intelligence, facility development, logistics en...