MANILA, Philippines — The Commander of the United States Pacific Command (US PACOM), Admiral Robert Willard, has underlined the American government's support to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), especially in addressing threats to sovereignty and security.

Willard shared his view as he paid a courtesy call on the AFP Commander-in-Chief, President Aquino, one day after the State of the Nation Address (SONA) where the President declared that the Philippines is ready to defend its territory as he stated, "What is ours is ours."

Willard was accompanied US Ambassador Harry K. Thomas Jr. during the courtesy call. Also present was Department of National Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin.

"Williard's annual visit to the Philippines centered on assisting the AFP with maritime security, domain awareness, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief," the envoy said.

"His visit underlined the United States' continuing and expanding alignment with its treaty partner and strategic ally under President Aquino's leadership," the US Ambassador said.

AFP spokesman, Commodore Miguel Jose Rodriguez earlier said the USPACOM commander was also scheduled to meet with AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Eduardo SL Oban Jr. The two, Oban and Willard, are co-chairs in the Philippines-US Mutual Defense Board (MDB).

Rodriguez said Oban and Willard were expected to discuss issues that will be tackled in the coming PH-US MDB meeting in Hawaii set in August or September.