Manila -- United States President
Barack Obama attended a maritime security event yesterday aboard the BRP
Gregory del Pilar at Pier 13 near the National Coast Watch Center in Manila
Harbor. This first event of President Obama’s visit included a tour of the ship
from Commanding Officer Captain Vincent Sibala, a meet and greet with
Philippine defense officials, U.S. sailors from USS Fitzgerald, and Philippine
sailors from the Gregorio del Pilar, and remarks from the President to national
and international media on the pier.
“The United States has been committed to the security of
this region for more than 70 years,” said President Obama. “We have a treaty
obligation, an ironclad commitment to the defense of our ally, the Philippines.
You can count on the United States.”
The event reinforced the U.S. commitment to
maritime security in the region, and to the strong standing relationship
between the U.S. and the Philippines