The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is eyeing to have more logistics coordination with its Indonesian counterparts, its chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said on Friday.

This proposal came about during his engagement with his counterparts at the 5th Philippine-Indonesia Military Cooperation early this week.

“We also added a new subcommittee, which is the subcommittee on logistics. And so we would like to explore possibilities on both countries coordinating and collaborating on logistics for military use,” Brawner said during his speech at the Maritime Security Symposium 2026 in Camp Aguinaldo.

Aside from from logistics cooperation between the Philippine and Indonesian militaries, Brawner said the two countries also agreed to have more “enhanced joint operations” particularly in coordinated patrols in the Sulu Sea and Celebes Sea.

“We have also agreed upon more intelligence exchanges and enhanced education and training exchanges,” the AFP chief said.

With the Philippines as this year’s Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) Summit chair, Brawner said the Maritime Security Symposium 2026’s theme of “Navigating Continuity and Change Through ASEAN” captures the reality being faced by the bloc’s member states.

“Because while the principles that have guided our region remain steady, the environment in which we operate is becoming more complex,” he added.

Brawner said for decades, the ASEAN has provided a foundation for peace and stability.

“It has enabled nations of diverse histories and interests to work together through dialogue, mutual respect, and consensus,” he said.

“As the chair of ASEAN this year, the Philippines is guided by a simple but enduring idea that our future must be navigated together but guided with clarity. From the perspective of the AFP, maritime security is both a national duty and a shared responsibility,” he said.

The AFP chief added that developments in the region do not diminish ASEAN’s role but require the group to be more deliberate, coordinated and forward-looking in how it respond.

“Our maritime domain is increasingly shaped by the shifting geopolitical dynamics, evolving security challenges, rapid technological advancement, and the intensifying effects of climate and environmental pressures,” Brawner said.

Brawner said the AFP remains committed to protecting the Philippines’ sovereignty and securing its maritime interests, consistent with international law and in a manner that contributes to regional stability.

“We will continue to act with professionalism, discipline, and restraint, but equally, we will continue to act with purpose because stability is best preserved when it is actively upheld,” he added. (PNA)