The Philippines is eyeing to strengthen regional partnerships and practical defense cooperation for a peaceful and stable Indo-Pacific Region as the Department of National Defense spearheads the 20th ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) and the 13th ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu on Oct. 28 and 29.

The meetings will coincide with the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia, signed in 1976, which upholds respect for sovereignty, non-interference and a peaceful settlement of disputes.

“As Chair of the ADMM and ADMM-Plus for 2026, Secretary of National Defense Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr. will lead discussions to advance regional defense dialogue and strengthen cooperation among ASEAN Member States and Plus Dialogue Partners,” Defense Assistant Secretary spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said in a statement.

The proposed outcome documents for this year’s meeting include joint statements, which are subject to finalization and the required consensus among the participating parties.

Aside from the ADMM and ADMM-Plus, Andolong added that there will be two ASEAN-Plus One Defence Ministers’ Informal Meetings — one with Japan and the other with the United States. There will also be bilateral and minilateral engagements on the sidelines.

On Oct. 29, the Philippines will formally turn over the Chairship of the ADMM and ADMM-Plus to Singapore.

The ADMM was established in 2006 to serve as ASEAN’s highest defense consultative and cooperative mechanism, while the ADMM-Plus was launched in 2010, expanding regional defense dialogue and cooperation between ASEAN Member States and eight Plus Countries.

The Philippines’ ASEAN Chairship prioritizes regional peace and security, practical defense cooperation, and collective action to address shared challenges, with peace and security anchors among the three strategic priorities. (PNA)