MANILA, Philippines -- The Commandant of the United States Marine Corps General Robert B. Neller visited the Philippines August 9 to 11 to meet with Philippine military and U.S. Embassy leadership to discuss matters of partnership and future engagements.

During his visit, he met with Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Gen. Eduardo Año, Commandant of the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Salamat, U.S. Ambassador Sung Y. Kim and U.S. Marines on assignment at the Embassy in Manila.

The General’s meetings focused on upcoming bi-lateral engagements in the country, regional security, and the future of diplomacy and interoperability between our two nations.

At a wreath-laying ceremony at the PMC Heroes Memorial on August 10, he honored the sacrifice of the brave Philippine Marines who have died fighting in Marawi.

“These Marines were our friends, our partners and our allies, so on behalf of the entire U.S. Marine Corps, I wanted to honor their sacrifice,” Gen. Neller said.