Largest-ever Balikatan generated 'favorable outcome,' exercise director says
MANILA, Philippines — The largest ever military exercises between the Philippines and the United States came out with a "favorable outcome" despite COVID-19 limitations, an Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) official said.
The AFP and the US military concluded the annual Balikatan exercises on Friday. Approximately 40 personnel from the Australian Defense Force also participated in the exercises this year.
"The experience gained from exercise Balikatan complemented our security cooperation endeavors and helped enhance existing mutual security efforts," AFP exercise director Maj. Gen. Charlton Sean Gaerlan said.
"This year’s Balikatan is a testament to the resiliency of the Philippines-United States alliance as we remain strong partners even after the various challenges we have encountered in the past two years," AFP chief Gen. Andres Centino said.
Nearly 9,000 Filipino and American soldiers participated in the military drills across Luzon for the past two weeks.
The exercises focused on maritime security, amphibious operations, live-fire training, urban operations, aviation operations, counterterrorism, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
US Embassy in the Philippines Chargé d’Affaires ad interim Heather Variava. said the recently concluded military drills was a testament to the strength of the longtime allies.
“After two years of a global pandemic, U.S. and Philippine forces have come together to complete one of the largest Balikatan exercises ever held," Variava said, as quoted in a US Embassy release.
US Marine Corps Forces Pacific Deputy Commander Brig. Gen. Joseph Clearfield added that the completion of another Balikatan is an example of the alies' shared commitment to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region."
"As a result of our mutual efforts, our militaries have grown together in friendship, and we are better prepared to respond as one cohesive team to any crisis or challenge," Clearfield said.
During the two-week exercise, the AFP and US troops deployed more than 50 aircraft, four ships, 10 amphibious craft, four High Mobility Artillery Rocket System launchers, and four Patriot missile systems.
Among the highlights of the annual bilateral exercise were the combined live fire exercise in Tarlac and the amphibious exercise in Cagayan.
The Filipino, American and Australian exercise forces also participated in multiple humanitarian and civic assistance projects, health engagements and community relations events.
While this year's Balikatan had concluded, the US Embassy said the AFP and US forces will continue to train and together through other exercises throughout 2022. — Patricia Lourdes Viray
A thread of notable updates on the Philippines' bilateral relations with the United States. — Main image from FPRI
The US government provides more than P450 million ($8 million) additional funding to strengthen the disaster preparedness and response in vulnerable communities in the Philippines.
This was provided through the US agency for International Development.
According to the US Embassy, the additional funding is eyed to enhance the typhoon preparedness and develop resilient livelihood strategies in disaster prone areas such as the Bicol, CARAGA and Eastern Visayas region.
"It will also fund partnerships with the private sector to help ensure the continuity of businesses and other critical services, such as energy and water, after disasters," the embassy reports. — Rosette Adel
United States of America President Joe Biden is celebrating the Filipino American History Month.
Biden issues a message dedicated to the Filipino-American community.
"Jill and I are thrilled to celebrate Filipino American History Month, honoring the rich heritage and traditions of millions of Filipino Americans. To our Filipino American community: Thank you for all you do to ensure our nation continues to be the land of opportunity," he says.
U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson reports that BRP Valentin Diaz and BRP Ladislao Diwa joined the Philippine Navy fleet to boost the Armed Forces of the Philippines' capabilities to defend the Philippines' rights in the West Philippine Sea.
"The U.S. supported this modernization effort through foreign military financing assistance," she says.
U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson shares a photo with U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth in her Manila office.
In a tweet, Carlson welcomes Duckworth.
"Looking forward to important discussions with Filipino #FriendsPartnersAllies on our strong bilateral ties and economic cooperation. #PartnersInProsperity," the tweet reads.
Honored to welcome @SenDuckworth to the Philippines! Looking forward to important discussions with Filipino #FriendsPartnersAllies on our strong ???????????????? bilateral ties and economic cooperation. #PartnersInProsperity pic.twitter.com/kFgFYrFKAe
— Ambassador MaryKay L. Carlson (@USAmbPH) August 7, 2023
United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III's reaffirms the United States and Philippines' "commitment to standing shoulder-to-shoulder as allies to bring greater security, prosperity, and stability to the Indo-Pacific region and beyond" in a call with Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.
During the call, Austin says there are opportunities for the two countries to coordinate more closely with like-minded partners such as Japan and Australia "to ensure the region's shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific continues to thrive."
Austin and Teodory agree to meet in person to discuss the defense and security priorities of the Philippines and U.S.
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