JOLO, Sulu — The Philippine military has clarified that the recent visit of a United States Marine special operations unit to the headquarters of the Philippine Army in Sulu was purely a courtesy and coordination engagement, stressing that there are no plans to establish a US military base in the province.
In a statement released over the weekend, the 11th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army said the visit of representatives from a United States Marine special operations unit to the Headquarters of Joint Task Force Orion in Jolo, Sulu was part of routine engagement between long-standing security partners.
The clarification comes after earlier reports about the March 6 meeting between American and Philippine military officials drew public attention and speculation about a possible expanded US military presence in the province.
According to the division, the engagement was meant to facilitate professional dialogue and strengthen cooperation on security matters aimed at sustaining peace and stability in Sulu.
“The Philippine Army remains firmly committed to protecting the sovereignty of the Philippines and the welfare of the people of Sulu,” the statement said.
The military also emphasized that all security operations in Sulu remain under the full authority of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, underscoring that the visit did not involve any discussion or plan to establish a US military facility in the province.
The clarification followed an earlier report that a unit from the United States Marine Forces Special Operations Command paid a courtesy visit to the leadership of the 11th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Orion.
The delegation from the Marine Special Operations Company–Philippines was led by Commanding Officer Maj. Benjamin T. Ryan, who met with Leonardo I. Peña, commander of the 11th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Orion, at Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista, the military headquarters in Jolo.
During the meeting, the two sides discussed ongoing security initiatives, areas of mutual cooperation, and joint efforts aimed at supporting local communities while reinforcing defense collaboration between the Philippines and the United States.
Peña earlier expressed appreciation for the continued engagement of American forces, noting that strong partnerships with allied militaries play a key role in maintaining security gains in Sulu.
Military officials said the engagement also reaffirmed the shared commitment of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the United States to work together in promoting peace, strengthening defense cooperation, and supporting development initiatives in conflict-affected areas.
The 11th Infantry Division also acknowledged the deep historical experiences of the Tausug people, assuring the public that all engagements with foreign partners are conducted with respect for local communities, Philippine laws, and national sovereignty.
Sulu, once considered a stronghold of extremist groups operating in the southern Philippines, has experienced improved security conditions in recent years following sustained military operations and strengthened cooperation between Philippine forces and international partners.
The military said it will continue working closely with local government units, community leaders, and partner agencies to sustain peace, security, and development across the province.
“Together, we remain united in safeguarding our communities and preserving the peace that the people of Sulu deserve,” the division said.