PH, US conclude ‘another successful’ Balikatan exercises

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine and United States military on Friday concluded “another successful” Balikatan exercise, considered as the “one of the largest ever held.”

“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,” Chargé d’Affaires ad interim Heather Variava said in a statement released by the U.S. Embassy in Manila.

“This is a testament to the strength of the U.S.-Philippine alliance and the shared priorities of our countries,” she added.

Nearly 9,000 troops from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the U.S. military trained shoulder-to-shoulder from the northern coast of Luzon to Palawan over the last two weeks. They focused on maritime security, amphibious operations, live-fire training, urban operations, aviation operations, counterterrorism, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, according to the embassy.

“The completion of yet another successful Balikatan is a clear example of our shared commitment to advancing peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region,” U.S. Marine Corps Forces Pacific Deputy Commander Brig. Gen. Joseph Clearfield said.

“As a result of our mutual efforts, our militaries have grown together in friendship, and we are better prepared to respond as one cohesive team to any crisis or challenge,” he added.

AFP exercise director Maj. Gen. Charlton Sean Gaerlan, meanwhile, said the experience gained by the participating troops during this year’s Balikatan exercise “complemented” the two countries’ “security cooperation endeavors and helped enhance existing mutual security efforts.”

“Although there were limitations brought about by the pandemic, it is highly commendable that the exercise pushed through and generated a favorable outcome,” Gaerlan said.

More than 50 aircraft, four ships, 10 amphibious craft, four HIMARS rocket system launchers, and four Patriot missile systems were deployed during the exercise. This year’s Balikatan also included some 40 personnel from the Australian Defense Force, the U.S. Embassy said.

“During Balikatan 22, U.S. Army Patriot missile systems were employed in amphibious operations in the Philippines for the first time. The exercise also saw the inaugural deployment of the U.S. Marine Corps’ 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment (3d MLR), which was established in Hawaii on March 3,” the embassy added.

Forces from the AFP and the U.S. military also “experimented with sensors and fire support, and used expeditionary advanced bases (EABs) as the framework for an integrated coastal defense,” it also noted.

The military personnel of both countries employed more than 50 aircraft, four ships, 10 amphibious craft, four high mobility artillery rocket system launchers, and four Patriot missile systems during the military exercises.

“Over the course of eight days, the 3d MLR partnered with the Philippine Marine Corps Coastal Defense Regiment and provided command and control over multiple EABs across northern Luzon. This coastal defense was further enhanced by two Patriot Missile Batteries from the U.S. Army’s 1st Battalion, 1st Air Defense Artillery Regiment and HIMARS rocket system from 3rd Battalion, 12th Marines,” the embassy said.

“The U.S. Navy and Philippine Navy played key roles providing sealift and off-shore support,” it added.

Filipino and American military troops also conducted multiple humanitarian and civic assistance projects, including the renovation of four elementary schools, multiple community health engagements, and the exchange of advanced emergency rescue and lifesaving techniques, according to the embassy.

“These construction projects, health engagements, and community relations events improved local infrastructure, facilitated the exchange of lifesaving medical skills, and strengthened ties between local communities and Philippine and American military forces,” it said.

“While Balikatan 22 comes to a close, the AFP and U.S. forces will continue to train and stand together routinely during other exercises and initiatives throughout the year to promote readiness, interoperability, friendship, and security,” it added.

Balikatan, which means “shoulder-to-shoulder” in Tagalog, is a long-standing bilateral exercise between the Philippines and the U.S. “highlighting the deep-rooted partnership” between the two countries.

“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,” said AFP Chief of Staff General Andres Centino.

U.S. Marines with 3d Reconnaissance Battalion, 3d Marine Division and Philippine Marines with Force Reconnaissance Group conduct a close quarters battle range exercise at Marine Barracks Gregorio Lim in Cavite during Balikatan 22. Photo and caption from U.S. Embassy in Manila

U.S. and Philippine Marines and sailors conduct a bilateral amphibious landing at Claveria, Cagayan. Photo and caption from U.S. Embassy in Manila

JPV