Article by:
Priam Nepomuceno
MANILA – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) took over the chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Observer Team (AOT) from its Malaysian counterparts and pledged to continue promoting transparency, confidence-building, and peaceful cooperation in spite of the ongoing Cambodia–Thailand border situation.
"In line with this responsibility, Gen. (Romeo) Brawner (Jr.) led an AFP delegation to Thailand and Cambodia from Feb. 9 to 14, 2026, to engage his counterparts and reaffirm the Philippines’ commitment to its mandate as chair of the AOT," it added in a Facebook post late Sunday night.
This visit, the AFP said, seeks to strengthen defense cooperation and support ASEAN’s role in managing territorial and border concerns through impartial observation and constructive engagement.
In Thailand, Brawner paid a courtesy call on General Ukris Boontanondha, his counterpart in the Royal Thai Armed Forces, on Feb. 9.
Likewise, the AFP chief visited the Thailand border area on Feb. 10 to observe developments on the ground.
In Cambodia, Brawner met with Prime Minister Hun Manet, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense General Tea Seiha, and General Vong Pisen, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces, on Feb. 12.
He also visited border areas in Cambodia on Feb. 13 to enhance situational awareness and reinforce the Philippines’ commitment to fulfilling its ASEAN responsibilities.
"As chair of the ASEAN Observer Team, the AFP’s role is strictly limited to observing, verifying, and reporting developments on the ground, in accordance with ASEAN protocols and the principle of non-interference," the AFP said.
It added Brawner's visit was the first by an ASEAN chief of defense to both sides of the border in connection with the AOT’s mission.
It underscored the importance placed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on supporting peaceful and cooperative regional mechanisms that contribute to stability in the region.
"Aside from leading the AOT, the AFP will deploy additional teams under the overall leadership of a designated two-star general. An AFP brigadier general will head the AOT-Thailand, while an AFP commodore will lead the AOT-Cambodia," the AFP said. (PNA)
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