The US and the Philippines plan the largest joint military exercise ever

Nearly 9,000 Philippine and US troops will participate in the 12-day exercise on the main Philippine island of Luzon. This event is held annually but has been postponed or canceled during the recent COVID-19 pandemic.

The US Embassy’s statement said that this year’s exercises, which will begin on March 28, will include topics such as maritime security, live-fire training, counter-terrorism, and humanitarian assistance and rescue. disaster assistance.

The two sides will practice together to expand and enhance their common tactics, techniques and procedures to strengthen their response capabilities, said the commander of the US 3rd Marine Division, Major General Jay Bargeron. such as the ability to respond to real-life challenges.