Manila, March 28 -- The United States' (US) commitment to its economic and defense alliance with the Philippines is "ironclad," its defense official said on Friday.

In a courtesy call at Malacanan Palace in Manila, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth assured President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. that US President Donald Trump is "very committed" to deepening Washington's alliance, friendship, and partnership with the Philippines.

"I had a chance to speak just a few minutes ago to our president, President Trump, who sends his regards to you as well (and) thinks very fondly of this great country," Hegseth told Marcos.

"And he and I both want to express the ironclad commitment we have to the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) and to the partnership, e...