MANILA (Mindanao Examiner / 28 May) – The Philippines and Australia are to sign a bilateral agreement that would allow the two countries to hold joint anti-terror training exercises in country, Filipino security officials said.
Officials said the accord called Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) is aimed at enhancing military capabilities of both the Philippines and Australia in fighting terrorism and transnational crimes.
"This agreement contains key elements such as the basis of visits, entry and departure conditions, how training and exercises are to be conducted, carriage of arms, security and criminal jurisdiction, provisions, importation and exportation regulations and environmental protection," the Philippine Defense department said in a separate statement.
Once signed, the agreement would be submitted to the Philippine Senate for concurrence.
The Philippines is also working for a similar military cooperation with Brunei, Singapore and Malaysia.
Manila is currently holding joint anti-terrorism training with the United States. (Juley Reyes)
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