MANILA—Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said he is open to entering into a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) with South Korea, citing the Philippines’ strong defense relationship with the East Asian country.

“Nasa kanila yun. Ako ready palagi pero maghihintay ako ng abiso mula sa kanila (It is up to them. I’m always ready for such moves but I will wait for an advise coming from them regarding the SOVFA),” Teodoro said on the sidelines of the 75th anniversary commemoration of the Battle of Yuldong at the PEFTOK Korean War Memorial Pylon inside the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City.

South Korean defense industries have been a key partner in the Philippines’ military modernization program, having supplied 12 FA-50PH light jet fighters and four guided missile frigates, along with various weapon, surveillance, and communication systems.

During the event, Teodoro also honored members of the 10th Battalion Combat Team (BCT), particularly Capt. Conrado Yap and Lt. Jose Artiaga, who were killed during the Battle of Yuldong from April 22 to 23, 1951.

Yap was killed while leading a counterattack to secure a Filipino unit under Lt. Artiaga that was being overwhelmed by Chinese forces.

Teodoro said the battle highlighted the bravery of the roughly 900 members of the 10th BCT who fought in the Korean War.

On foreign relations, the DND chief said the Philippines remains open to improving ties with China, but stressed that cooperation must be based on good faith.

As far as the Philippines is concerned, Teodoro said “any country which approaches us in good faith will not be worried about our defense resilience.”

“If any country is worried about our defense engagements and resilience it’s because they have a bad intention and a bad motive (to begin) with,” he added.