Manila, Sept. 3 -- The Philippine Army (PA) reiterated its commitment to work and train with like-minded nations as part of its efforts to beef up defensive capabilities.

"The PA is firmly committed to bilateral and multilateral training exercises geared at enhancing ground units' capability development and supporting the active transition towards external security operations," it said in a news release Thursday.

The statement was issued as PA key leaders, together with counterparts from the US Army Pacific (USARPAC), Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, and Australian Army, concluded the two-day "Salaknib-Balikatan" (SABAK) 2027 Commanders' Summit in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Wednesday.

The meeting is part of the planning sessions f...