MANILA, Philippines — Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro on Wednesday said the Philippines cannot rely solely on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) to safeguard its national security, stressing the need to strengthen the country’s defense partnerships and alliances. Speaking during a roundtable discussion with the Inquirer, Teodoro said military modernization goes beyond acquiring equipment and also involves enhancing interoperability with allies as part of a broader deterrence strategy. /dp...Keep on reading: WATCH: Defense chief Teodoro says PH needs allies beyond Asean