PH-NZ visiting forces deal a step vs encroachments — NSC

The National Security Council (NSC) on Friday said the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) between the Philippines and New Zealand is a step to boost capacity against encroachments.

“We view this partnership as a step forward in strengthening our ability to respond to common challenges: be they natural disasters, transnational threats, or encroachments that undermine sovereign rights,” National Security Adviser Secretary Eduardo Año said in a statement.

On Wednesday, the Philippines and New Zealand signed the SOVFA, a key defense pact that will allow the latter's forces to hold joint military drills and bolster defense engagements with Manila.

Año said the deal showed the shared commitment of the two countries to a rules-based international order, regional peace and stability, and enhanced cooperation in security and humanitarian matters.

“It reflects the mutual resolve of Manila and Wellington to bolster interoperability between our armed forces through joint training, capacity building, and collaboration on disaster response, especially in light of our shared vulnerability as nations located within the Pacific Ring of Fire,” he said.

Año noted that the Philippines and New Zealand’s visiting forces deal is “not directed against any one state” but an affirmation to their commitment to international law, freedom of navigation, the peaceful resolution of disputes.

“By deepening our security cooperation with like-minded nations such as New Zealand, the Philippines reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding national interests while promoting regional stability, resilience, and mutual respect among nations,” he said.

The 1987 Philippine Constitution prohibits foreign troops from establishing permanent military bases in the country. Through agreements like the VFA, foreign militaries may be allowed to enter the countries for activities.

The Philippines and the United States have a VFA that became effective in 1999 and now serves as a legal framework that allows US forces to visit Manila temporarily for military exercises and give humanitarian and disaster-response assistance.

Also, the Philippines had a similar deal with Australia that was signed in 2007. — BAP, GMA Integrated News