On December 5, 2016, Philippine Consul General to Hawaii, Gina A. Jamoralin paid a courtesy call on the new  Commanding General of the Marine Forces Pacific (MARFORPAC), Lieutenant General  David Berger, USMC, on 05 December  2016 at his office at Headquarters MARFORPAC, Camp Smith, Honolulu. The Marine Forces Pacific or MARFORPAC, one of the USPACOM’s component  command, is the USPACOM’s Coordinating Authority for the yearly US-PH Joint Military Exercises or “Balikatan” in the Philippines. Consul General Jamoralin was accompanied by Capt. Rey dela Cruz, PN (GSC),  AFP Liaison Officer to USPACOM. LGen. Berger was joined by BGen Bryan Cavanaugh USMC, Dep CG, MFP and  Mr Ric De Guzman, Dep G3.

Consul General Jamoralin congratulated LGen. Berger for his new post and for the PH-US Joint Exercises held  this year jointly organized  in by the US Pacific Command and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Both officials discussed matters related to the recent meeting of the PH-US Mutual Defense Board/Security Engagement Board (MDB/SEB)  held last month in Manila.  Consul General Jamoralin underscored that the refocusing of MDB/SEB Activities for 2017  to non-traditional security concerns such as HADR, Counter-Terrorism, Anti-narcotics and Humanitarian Civic Assistance is in accord with the priorities of the  administration of  President Rodrigo Duterte.  Consul General Jamoralin also noted the recent  telephone conversation between President Duterte and US President-elect Donald Trump  and the arrival of the new US Ambassador to the Philippines which will help to further enhance relations between the two countries.

LGen. Berger congratulated the Philippines for assuming the ASEAN chairmanship next year and offered MARFORPAC’s support for the Philippine chairmanship through the 2017 MDB/SEB Activities.  LGen. Berger  assured Consul General Jamoralin of USPACOM’s support to the Philippines  under  Admiral Harry  Harris’ leadership as  Commander, USPACOM. Consul General Jamoralin thanked LGen. Berger for the USPACOM’s support and assistance in promoting PH-US relations. (END).