MANILA, Philippines — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) discussed information sharing and closer defense cooperation as the two Southeast Asian countries seek to expand military ties and address regional security threats.
AFP Vice Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Rommel P. Roldan met with Lt. Gen. Hun Manith of Cambodia's General Department of Research and Intelligence under the Ministry of National Defense on Oct. 26 , 2026.
The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral defense relations through information sharing, sustained dialogue and closer coordination in advancing their shared security interests, the AFP said.
The meeting followed a series of high-level engagements aimed at expanding military cooperation between Manila and Phnom Penh.
On Oct. 20, AFP Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Antonio G. Nafarrete met with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet in Phnom Penh to discuss strengthening defense and security cooperation, particularly through closer ties between the two countries' navies and air forces.
The two sides also discussed military training, capacity-building and cooperation between their armies. Hun Manet expressed optimism that the countries could move forward with an agreement on naval and air force cooperation, according to a report by Cambodianess published on Oct. 22.
In a separate meeting during the visit, Nafarrete and RCAF Commander-in-Chief Gen. Vong Pisen discussed expanding cooperation in defense, information exchange, counterterrorism, transnational crime prevention, cybersecurity and humanitarian assistance.
Cambodia also welcomed the Philippines' leadership of the Asean Observer Team, which monitors developments along the Cambodia-Thailand border as part of regional efforts to support a peaceful resolution of border disputes.
The latest engagements build on an established defense partnership. The Philippines and Cambodia signed a memorandum of understanding on defense cooperation in December 2017, providing a framework for exchanges of military personnel, training, information and expertise, as well as other mutually agreed activities.
The two countries subsequently held their inaugural Joint Defense Cooperation Committee meeting in Phnom Penh in March 2019 to discuss regional security concerns, including cybersecurity, counterterrorism, violent extremism and peacekeeping operations.
Beyond traditional defense concerns, Manila and Phnom Penh have also sought closer cooperation against transnational crime and cyber-related threats.
During a September 2025 meeting between Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Hun Manet in Manila, the two governments witnessed the signing of an amended agreement on police cooperation that expanded collaboration against crimes including human trafficking, arms trafficking and cybercrime.
The AFP said continued engagement with foreign military counterparts helps promote mutual understanding and contributes to regional peace, stability and security.
