Around 9,000 service members of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the U.S. military successfully finished their training, as the 37th iteration of the Exercise Balikatan had come to an end on Friday (April 8) at the AFP General Headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo.
Maritime security, amphibious operations, live-fire training, urban operations, aviation operations, counterterrorism, and humanitarian assistance and disaster response were the course of training over the last two weeks from the northern coast of Luzon to Palawan.
AFP General Headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo were General Andres Centino, AFP Chief of Staff; Major General Charlton Sean Gaerlan, PH Exercise Director; Brigadier General Joseph Clearfield, US Exercise Director Representative; and Defense Undersecretary Cardozo Luna were present during the closing ceremony.
“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,” Centino said.
Moreover, Gaerlan noted that the experience gained from the Exercise Balikatan complimented the security cooperation endeavors and will help in enhancing the existing mutual efforts. He also commended how the exercises pushed through despite the limitations due to the pandemic.
Also present during the conclusion of the Exercise Balikatan was U.S. Embassy in the Philippines Chargé d’Affaires ad interim Heather Variava who attended the event as a Guest of Honor and Speaker.
“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. This is a testament to the strength of the U.S.-Philippine alliance and the shared priorities of our countries,” Variava stated.
More than 50 aircraft, four ships, 10 amphibious craft, four High Mobility Artillery Rocket System launchers, and four Patriot missile systems were employed during this year’s Balikatan where approximately 40 personnel from the Australian Defense Force were also included.
Construction projects, health engagements, and community relations events incorporated in their exercises improved local infrastructure, facilitated the exchange of lifesaving medical skills, while strengthening ties between local communities and Philippine and American forces. AL-ag
