Philippines, Canada sign Status of Visiting Forces Agreement

The Philippines and Canada signed a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement on Sunday in Makati City, allowing armed forces from both countries to deploy to one another’s territory for joint exercises, humanitarian assistance and other activities, officials said. The accord was signed by Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and Canadian Defense Minister David McGuinty after bilateral meetings in Manila.

The SOVFA establishes a legal framework for the temporary presence of foreign troops, addressing issues such as movement, customs, taxes and jurisdiction in cases where visiting personnel are accused of crimes. Canadian officials said the pact will streamline planning for bilateral and multilateral training and improve coordination during natural disasters and humanitarian responses. McGuinty called the signing “a great day for both of our nations” and said Canada hopes to participate in the Philippines’ main annual exercises next year.

Canadian officials described the agreement as Ottawa’s first status-forces pact in the Indo-Pacific. Philippine officials said the deal follows a 2023 memorandum of understanding on defence cooperation and builds on recent exchanges...