Philippine Army (PA) Commanding General Lt. Gen. Antonio G. Nafarrete and U.S. Army 25th Infantry Division Commanding General Maj. Gen. James B. Bartholomees strengthened military coordination and alliance-building during a Commanders' Conference held at the Philippine Army Headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, on June 10, 2026.

The activity aimed to establish agreements and coordination mechanisms between Philippine Army and U.S. Army representatives in preparation for the 2027 iteration of the joint and combined exercise “Salaknib.”

The conference served as the culminating activity of the Commanders’ Reconnaissance Overview and Bilateral Engagement involving selected leaders from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), which began on June 6.

The Philippine Army said the engagement underscores its role in promoting regional cooperation and strengthening defense partnerships through military training and exchanges.

The Army added that its continued pursuit of modernization, capability development, and mission readiness reinforces its position as a reliable partner of allied military organizations around the world.