The US Embassy announced that 5,100 US service members will join 3,800 Filipino troops in the 12-day event, marking the largest joint exercise between the two countries.
“About 8,900 members of the Philippine armed forces and the US military will jointly participate in Balikatan 2022, the largest round of Philippine-hosted annual drills, scheduled to take place in Luzon from May 1, 2020. March 28 to April 8. “, the US Embassy in the Philippines announced on March 22.
Exercise Balikatan 2022 covers a wide range of activities from maritime security, live fire training, counter-terrorism and disaster response, and humanitarian assistance.
“Both nations’ forces are working together to expand and enhance shared tactics, skills, and operational processes, thereby strengthening their capacity and readiness to meet real-world challenges,” Jay Bargeron, commander of the U.S. Army’s 3rd Marine Division, said.
The US Army MV-22 Osprey hybrid helicopter lands at Subic Bay International Airport, Luzon Island, Philippines on March 19 to prepare for the Balikatan 22 exercise. Photo: American Ministry of National Defense.
The US Embassy said the drills also included commando drills, testing the ability of the two countries’ forces to plan, maneuver and communicate in simulated scenarios. This operation aims to strengthen the security capabilities and defense capabilities of the military alliance.
“The alliance between the two countries continues to be a key factor for the strength and stability of the Indo-Pacific region,” said Bargeron.
Major General Charlton Sean Gaerlan of the Philippine Army, Commander-in-Chief of the 2022 Balikatan, said the annual exercise was a “demonstration of the Philippines’ strength and its security relationship with the US”. He said that the experience from the exercise would help bilateral security cooperation and enhance joint security efforts between the two countries.
In addition to the military field, the troops of the two countries also cooperate to carry out a number of community projects such as school restoration, medical examinations and treatment, as well as the exchange of experiences in rescue.
The US and the Philippines will not hold Balikatan in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. This annual exercise will be continued next year on a limited scale.
Trung Nhan (Based on Rappler, Reuters)
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