Philippines, US begin 36th Balikatan Exercises in Luzon

THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and United States military formally opened on Monday the Balikatan exercise amid the security tension in the West Philippine Sea with China that was borne by the presence of Chine maritime militia vessels in the Julian Felipe Reef.

The two-week military exercises involving 1,700 Filipino and American troops was this year’s 36th iteration of the war games following its cancellation last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The Balikatan Exercise, since its launching in 1991, has been a treasure trove of learning opportunities for both Filipino and American soldiers and in recent years would also include our other allies here in the Indo-pacific region,” said AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Cirilito Sobejana.

The ceremony was also attended by US Embassy Chargé d’affaires John Law; Maj. Gen. Edgard Arevalo, who is this year’s exercise director; Col. Stephen Ma, Joint US Military Assistance Group chief and US defense attache’ and Col. Aaron Brunk of the US III Marine Expeditionary Force, Officer in Charge for Exercise Support Group.

“The United States is proud to participate in the Balikatan Exercise, and we thank the Armed Forces of the Philippines for hosting US troops in ways that maintain the health and safety of both our militaries,” Law said.

“Joint exercises like Balikatan demonstrate our shared commitment to peace and stability and the adaptability of US and Philippine forces. The United States will continue to seek ways, even during the pandemic, to strengthen our security cooperation,” he added.

This year’s Balikatan includes a bilateral staff exercise, close air support training, subject matter exchanges, maritime security training, and humanitarian and civic assistance activities, which would be all held in the areas of the Northern Luzon Command and Southern Luzon Command.

As part of the humanitarian and civic assistance activities, Filipino and American troops are building two classrooms and a daycare center in Plaridel, Bulacan as well as a classroom in Atimonan and health center in Mauban, both in Quezon.

“Though this year’s exercises are toned down because of the prevailing health crisis, which has affected not only the Philippines, but similarly the entire world—these circumstances, will however, not diminish nor hamper the real intent of the Balikatan Exercises—that is to foster a stronger and more robust military relationship, and interoperability between our two Armed Forces,” Sobejana said.