MANILA, April 12 -- The strong military ties between the Philippines and the United States were further highlighted following an introductory phone call between the respective National Security Advisers (NSAs) of the two governments on Friday.

"National Security Adviser Eduardo Ano and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz of the United States held an introductory phone call on Friday to discuss recent developments in the Philippines-United States Alliance," the National Security Council (NSC) said in a media statement Saturday.

The two NSAs, the NSC said, exchanged views on the regional security situation, particularly in the South China Sea/West Philippine Sea.

They tackled future bilateral activities between the Philippines and the U...