The Philippines and Malaysia discussed key defense challenges and explored more security cooperation during the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) Retreat in Penang, the Department of National Defense (DND) said Thursday.

DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. met with Malaysian Defense Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin on the sidelines of the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) Retreat on 26 February and tackled key defense matters while strengthening security cooperation between their respective countries.

During their discussions, Andolong said, “Both officials reaffirmed their commitment to bolstering defense relations, particularly in maritime security, counter-terrorism efforts, and capacity-building programs.”

Teodoro expressed gratitude to his Malaysian counterpart for the “warm hospitality extended” to the Philippine delegation.

“They also welcomed cooperation in human capital development, particularly in cybersecurity, to strengthen resilience against malign influence and interference,” Andolong said 

Teodoro also thanked the Malaysian government for its prompt response when the Philippines requested help during the onslaught of six typhoons last year.

He stressed that “natural calamities are causing significant displacement.”

Teodoro then underscored the urgency of continuously upgrading individual and collective humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) capabilities and capacities.

He also highlighted the importance of regional groupings, like ASEAN, to facilitate rapid response in times of crisis.

Recognizing the territorial disputes between the Philippines and Malaysia, Secretary Teodoro emphasized that both countries remain committed to working together “diplomatically and constructively,” enabling them to address other crucial issues.

He stressed the importance of strengthening relations among ASEAN Member States to uphold regional security and stability.

Further, Andolong noted that both Teodoro and Nordin “agreed on the importance of ASEAN nations supporting one another and expressed their commitment to exploring more opportunities for collaboration in the future.”