ReutersEnrico Cruz
1/2
Philippine Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana answer questions during a Reuters interview at the military headquarters of Camp Aquinaldo in Quezon city, metro Manila, Philippines February 9, 2017. REUTERS/Romeo Ranoco/
Read More
Philippine and U.S. soldiers will conduct a two-week joint military exercise from Monday, resuming the annual training event after last year s cancellation due to the pandemic, the Philippine military chief said on Sunday.
The announcement came after the two countries defence secretaries held a phone call to discuss the drills, the situation in the South China Sea, and recent regional security developments.
Unlike previous exercises, however, this year s Balikatan (Shoulder-to-Shoulder) drills to test the readiness of their militaries to respond to threats such natural disasters and militant extremist attacks, will be scaled down.
Philippine and US soldiers will conduct a two-week joint military exercise from Monday (April 12), resuming the annual training event after last year's cancellation due to the pandemic, the Philippine military chief said.
MANILA (Reuters) â Philippine and U.S. soldiers are conducting a two-week joint military exercise, resuming the annual training event after last yearâs cancellation due to the pandemic, the Philippine military chief said.
The announcement came after the two countriesâ defense secretaries held a phone call to discuss the drills, the situation in the South China Sea, and recent regional security developments.
Unlike previous exercises, however, this yearâs âBalikatanâ (Shoulder-to-Shoulder) drills to test the readiness of their militaries to respond to threats such natural disasters and militant extremist attacks, will be scaled down.
Only 1,700 troops â 700 from the United States and 1,000 from the Philippines â are participating, unlike previous exercises which involved as many as 7,600 soldiers, said Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana.
Philippines, United States begin 2-week joint military Balikatan drills
686
Philippine Air Force Maj. Philippides Jimenez, left, and 1st Lt. Anthony Feril, right, conduct a pre-flight check before a combat search and rescue training mission during Exercise Balikatan at Clark Air Base, Philippines, April 2, 2019. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Sadie Colbert) );
Defence ministers discuss South China Sea, regional security
U.S. defence chief reiterates importance of VFA – statement
Philippines seeks U.S. assistance in Moderna vaccine delivery
Philippine and U.S. soldiers will conduct a two-week joint military exercise from Monday, resuming the annual training event after last year’s cancellation due to the pandemic, the Philippine military chief said on Sunday.