50 US troops to hold next ‘Balikatan’ with AFP in Visayas

U.S. military armored personnel carriers take their positions during the 11-day joint US-Philippines military exercise dubbed “Balikatan 2016” (Shoulder-To-Shoulder 2016) Thursday, April 14, 2016 at Crow Valley, Tarlac province north of Manila, (AP File Photo/Bullit Marquez)

CEBU CITY — As the hunt to arrest  three remaining Abu Sayyaf bandits in Bohol continues, some 50 American troops will participate in the two-month civil-military exercises dubbed Balikatan in some parts of the Visayas.

The latest Balikatan started on Monday (May 1).  Colonel Medel Aguilar, commander of the Philippine Joint Civil and Military Operations Task Force, however, said the holding of the Balikatan has long been scheduled and the decision to hold it in Visayas has not been related to the terrorist threats that have struck Bohol.

“Our activities are intended for humanitarian and civilian assistance and to transfer knowledge and skills on how to react during emergency situations like typhoons,” he said in an interview after the launching of the Combined Joint Civil Military Operations Task Force at the Armed Forces’ Central Command in Cebu City on Monday morning.

Among the activities the soldiers will undertake include the construction of disaster-resilient facilities, classrooms, capability training to enhance disaster preparedness, developing good working relationship with the people, and building partnership with stakeholders for civic action programs.

The two-month Balikatan exercises are focused on the islands of Panay, Leyte, and Samar.

Colonel Camilo Ligayo, chief of the Unified Command Staff, said the Balikatan would strengthen the ties between the country and the United States.

“This is the most evident manifestation of a shared commitment between the Philippines and United States’ Armed Forces to move shoulder to shoulder for stability, security, and development,” he said.

“I believe that we are changing lives and making a difference one classroom building at a time,” he added.

Lt. Col. Ryan Scott of the United States’ military engineering department, welcomed the partnership between their country and the Philippines to improve the lives of Filipinos.

“I am not worried at all (with regard to our security). The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is outstanding,” he said.

Some members of the AFP continue to look for the three remaining bandits who entered Bohol three weeks ago.

Since April 11, eight ASG members were killed in two gun battles in the municipalities of Inabanga and Clarin, Bohol.

Among those killed were Mouamar Askali, the leader of the group; bomb experts Abu Sufyan and Edimar Isnain; Joselito Melloria, a native of Bohol who guided the ASG; pumpboat operator Aldimar Taib; alyas Richard; alyas Omil; and an unidentified man.

Three others remain at large: Alyas Asis, Kaifar Sawadjaan also known as Um Ammra, and alyas Ubayda.  SFM/rga