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Teodoro hails Brunei's contribution to Mindanao peace process

Philippine News Agency

By Priam Nepomuceno
October 10, 2025, 12:56 pm

MANILA -- Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Thursday hailed the valuable contribution of Brunei Darussalam in the ongoing peace process in Mindanao during an official visit to the Southeast Asian country.

Teodoro extended this message during his meeting with Pehin Datu Lailaraja Maj. Gen. (retired) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, Minister at the Prime Minister's Office and Minister of Defense II of Brunei Darussalam, according to DND spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arsenio Andolong.

"The two officials discussed common defense interests amid evolving regional security dynamics and exchanged views on peace and stability in Southeast Asia, with particular attention to developments in the Southern Philippines," Andolong said in a statement.

He added that Teodoro "acknowledged Brunei Darussalam's contributions to the International Monitoring Team (IMT) and the Independent Decommissioning Body (IDB), both of which support peace processes in Mindanao."

Teodoro also presented the Philippines' ongoing defense modernization efforts, which are focused on safeguarding national interests, ensuring maritime security, and supporting blue economy initiatives.

Andolong said Teodoro's visit sought to strengthen bilateral defense cooperation between the two nations and address shared regional security priorities.

"He (Teodoro) also proposed increased collaboration in defense training and education between the two countries. The Secretary also extended an invitation to his counterpart, Minister Pehin Halbi, to visit the Philippines for continued discussions on expanding both bilateral and multilateral defense cooperation," he said.

While in Brunei, Teodoro also met with Philippine Ambassador Marian Jocelyn Tirol-Ignacio, as well as representatives of key partner countries, including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, India, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

"He provided updates on regional developments and sought support for the Philippines' bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2027-2028 term," Andolong said.

A key highlight of the visit was Teodoro's audience with Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaula, held at the Istana Nurul Iman, the Sultan's official residence.

"Secretary Teodoro's official visit to Brunei Darussalam underscores the Philippines' continued commitment to deepening defense relations and promoting regional peace, security, and prosperity," Andolong said. (PNA)