Philippine soldiers in Marawi (Photo: AFP)

This is more than the number of joint activities between the two armies this year, according to the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The two countries aim to increase cooperation in counter terrorism, maritime and cyber security and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. The agreement on more cooperation activities was made as General Carlito Galvez, AFP chief, and US Navy Adm. Philip Davidson, US Indo-Pacific Command commander, concluded the 2018 Mutual Defense Board and Security Engagement Board (MDB-SEB) meeting last Thursday.