MANILA, Philippines -- The Commander of the United States Pacific Command Adm. Harry B. Harris Jr. visited the Philippines August 23 to 24 to meet with Philippine military and government leadership.

Most notably, Adm. Harris met with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte at Malacañan to discuss U.S. support to the Philippine government for ongoing efforts to end the conflict in Marawi, interoperability between our two militaries, and regional threats.

Adm. Harris participated in a wreath laying ceremony on August 23 at the Heroes’ Cemetery, or Libingan ng mga Bayani, in Taguig to honor the sacrifice of the brave Filipino military heroes buried there.

He also met with Secretary of National Defense Delfin N. Lorenzana, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Gen. Eduardo Año, Secretary of Foreign Affairs Alan Peter Cayetano, and traveled to Zamboanga to meet Commander of Western Mindanao Command Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr.

The Admiral’s meetings focused on upcoming bi-lateral engagements, recent aid and military assistance that the U.S. government has provided to the Philippines, as well as opportunities for additional U.S. support in Marawi.