MANILA — Republic of Korea Marine Corps (ROKMC) commandant Lt. Gen. Jun Jin Goo paid a goodwill visit to his Philippine counterparts in Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City on Monday.
Capt. Maria Rowena B. Dalmacio, Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) spokesperson, said the South Korean military official was met by PMC deputy commandant, Brig. Gen. Martin Villasan, representing Major Gen. Alvin Parreño.
The meeting between the two officials seeks to foster further cooperation between the two Marine Corps.
Dalmacio added that the meeting also discussed the foundation, where the two forces share interests and cooperation, conduct of subject matter expert exchanges and doctrines, most especially on assault amphibious vehicles which will be delivered to the PMC in 2019; training opportunities in jungle warfare, 155 mm Howitzer and missile defense system, and management of ROKMC’s reserve components.
Also included in the discussion is the relationship in the organizational structure of ROKMC and ROK Navy, wherein the ROKMC performs and operates as a distinct and autonomous branch of the ROK Armed Forces.
While it is independent from the ROK Navy, the ROKMC complements in naval operations and amphibious operations.
This is what the PMC may look like if Senate Bill 1731 or the Philippine Marine Corps Act that aims to transform the PMC into the fourth service branch of the AFP will be passed in Congress.
One of the lined-up activities during Jun’s three-day visit is a meeting with Philippine Navy flag-officer-in-command Rear Admiral Robert Empedrad. (Priam Nepomuceno/PNA)
