The Commanding General of the Philippine Army is in Singapore for a two-day introductory visit to discuss counter-terrorism efforts.

Lieutenant-General Rolando Joselito Delizo Bautista met Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen at the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) yesterday morning, Mindef said in a statement yesterday.

Dr Ng and Lt-Gen Bautista re-affirmed the friendly defence relations between Singapore and the Philippines, and noted the good progress made in deepening the relationship between their armies.

"They also discussed the long-term nature of the terrorist threat in the region and the need for both countries to remain vigilant and sustain efforts in counter-terrorism," Mindef said.

The importance of the bilateral professional exchange programme last December, which allowed for cross-sharing on urban operations between the two armies, was reaffirmed as well.

Lt-Gen Bautista also met Chief of Defence Force Melvyn Ong and Chief of Army Goh Si Hou after reviewing a guard of honour at Mindef.

He visited Safti Military Institute and the Murai Urban Training Facility yesterday, to find out more about the Centre for Army Lessons Learnt and the SAF's Next Gen Safti City, a training area.

Lt-Gen Bautista will discuss the Philippine Army's experience in combating terrorism in the city of Marawi, on the southern island of Mindanao, at the Asean Armies' Information Sharing Workshop today.

He leaves today.

Jasia Shamdasani