Philippines, Canada expand security ties
The Philippines has entered into a Mutual Logistics Support Agreement with Canada, the third logistics deal after the United States and Japan.
Secretary of National Defense Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr. met with Canada’s Minister of National Defence David McGuinty for the Defense Ministers’ Meeting (DMM) in Ottawa last June 11. Official handout.
Manuel Mogato | June 13, 2026
OTTAWA — The Philippines and Canada signed a logistics agreement, expanding security relations between the two countries.
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr was on a visit to Canada to deepen and broaden security cooperation.
In a meeting with Canadian Defense Minister David McGuinty, he signed an agreement that allows provision of logistics to troops from both sides during military exercises.
The Philippines has entered into a Mutual Logistics Support Agreement with Canada, the third logistics deal after the United States and Japan.
Teodoro said the logistics agreement will “put teeth” to the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVVA), which was signed in November 2025.
The SOVFA provides the legal framework for both countries to hold training and military exercises.
During a news conference, the defense ministers also signed a Statement on Intent on Strengthening Defense Cooperation.
At the same news conference, McGuinty announced the signing of mutual logistics support arrangement, which “will allow our countries to provide logistical support to one another during important military exercises, training activities, and operations”.
McGuinty said these agreements “build on” the SOVFA which he said allows the armed forces of both nations “to train, exercise, and operate together more effectively once it enters into force. (Also read: Balikatan 2026: Manila’s Tightrope Between Deterrence and Diplomacy)
“These agreements reflect the momentum of a growing and important defense partnership,” he added.
McGuinty reiterated Canada commitment to supporting peace, security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
“That includes support for a maritime order grounded in international law, where disputes are resolved peacefully, and the rights of all states are respected,” said McGuinty.
Ahead of the 10th anniversary of the Arbitral Award next month, McGuinty vowed Canada will continue to collaborate with Philippines and partners from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations “to promote respect for the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
McGuinty also said Canada and Philippines will also deepen economic dies, including free trade negotiations which he said “will create new opportunities for workers, for businesses, and investors in both countries.”
“After all, Mr. Secretary, one in 40 people who live in this country are of Filipino origin and it is growing quickly,” said McGuinty.