The 2017 PH-US MDB/SEB meeting was held at the Headquarters US Pacific Command in Honolulu, Hawaii on 28-29 Sep 2017. The 52-man PH delegation was led by the Gen Eduardo M Ano, Chief of Staff, AFP. Counter-Terrorism, the Marawi Crisis, and eradicating Violent Extremist Organizations were the main agenda items during the meeting. Other equally important topics such as the West Philippine Sea, EDCA, Balikatan Exercises, Mutual Logistics Support Agreement, and DND/AFP Guidelines on the conduct of future bilateral exercises were also discussed.
On the sidelines of the MDB/SEB Meeting, the GHQ, PA, PN, PAF, PMC, PNP, DFA, DND, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), and the National Coast Watch Center (NCWC) also met their respective counterparts to discuss relevant issues.
The PH and US agreed to bring back the level of the PH-US Exercises and wargames to the same scale, magnitude and scope as in the previous years. Overall, the result of meeting was very fruitful for both the PH and US sides.
The MDB/SEB Co-Chairs will submit a Report to the Council of Foreign Ministers and issue the Strategic Guidance to the EXECOM based on the consensus reached during the MDB/SEB Meeting in Hawaii. The results of the meeting will flow into the Bilateral Strategic Dialogue on 30 Nov-01 Dec 2017 in Washington DC. (END).
