The Philippines’ military expenditure expanded by almost a fifth to $6.12 billion last year from $5.14 billion in 2023, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) database showed.

Trump’s self-imposed deadline follows significant buildup of U.S. military equipment in the area and puts pressure on Iran and a European-led effort to de-escalate the ongoing conflict.

Trump’s self-imposed deadline follows significant buildup of U.S. military equipment in the area and puts pressure on Iran and a European-led effort to de-escalate the ongoing conflict.