Marcos to visit Indo-Pacific Command, DFA exec says

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. will visit the Indo-Pacific Command in Honolulu, Hawaii, a Department of Foreign Affairs official said on Tuesday.

At a Palace press briefing, DFA Undersecretary Charles Jose said the visit would add a layer to the cooperation the Philippines is trying to create with "like-minded states."

"He's being invited to visit the Indo-Pacific Command..." Jose said.

"It adds a layer to the cooperation that we are trying to establish with like-minded states in order to promote what we have been advocating all along. A rules-based order especially in the maritime areas," he added.

Asked if the President accepted the invitation, Jose said, "Yes, it's already in the President's schedule on the visit but I don't have the complete details with me right now. But I know, it's part of the President's program."

Jose, however, did not disclose further information on the President's visit to Indo-Pacific Command.

"Like I said, I don't have the details but I would imagine that would be part of the visit. There would be a security briefing," Jose said.

Marcos' visit to the Indo-Pacific Command will happen amid the ongoing tension in the West Philippine Sea.

The President earlier expressed willingness to expand trilateral engagements with Japan and the United States.

The Philippines, United States and Japan are committed to work for a free and open Indo-Pacific and ensure peaceful resolution of disputes, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said. —VAL, GMA Integrated News