The Philippines will sign a military agreement with Australia next week to reduce its dependence on the United States for military aid and training, an official said. Australian Ambassador to Manila Tony Hely said technical working groups of both countries had finalized the document for the Status of Forces Agreement. President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo would be able to witness its signing when she meets Prime Minister John Howard in Canberra next week, he said. The defense ministers of both countries are also to sign a separate document to pave the way for the turnover of 30 amphibious war craft to boost Manila’s capacity in patrolling its southern borders.


“These vessels will help the Philippines prevent terrorists from entering through the southern backdoor, from using Mindanao as an entry and exit point, and for their operations in Southeast Asia," he said.

Hely said that, unlike the Philippines’ Visiting Forces Agreement with the United States, both Manila and Canberra would host the joint military exercises.

“We are talking here not only of capacity building but also of intelligence cooperation, strengthening of both our law enforcement agencies, and drawing up a broader development framework to address terrorism," he said.