Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. on Wednesday awarded a medal of service to outgoing Australia Defense Attaché, Col. Paul Barta, at the AFP General Headquarters, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

"This medal is given to Col. Paul Barta for his excellent service to the AFP and the Philippine government on behalf of the Australian Defense Force. We appreciate the splendid job that he did," Brawner said.

In a joint exit and entrance call, Brawner welcomed new Australian Defense Attaché, Navy Captain Emma McDonald-Kerr.

Prior to her designation in the Philippines, McDonald-Kerr served as the commander of the Navy Headquarters–South Australia in 2021. She was also the recommissioning commanding officer of HMAS Encounter in 2022.