'Balikatan 2014' to focus on HCA, HADR, maritime security

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 21): 'Balikatan 2014' to focus on HCA, HADR, maritime security

"Balikatan 2014" will focus on humanitarian civic assistance (HCA), humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR), and maritime security.

This was revealed on Monday by Lt. (SG) Annaleah Cazcarro, Combined-Joint Information Bureau co-director.

Cazcarro also stressed that this year's "Balikatan" will be 30th iteration of the annual maneuvers.

Exercise "Balikatan" is an annual bilateral combined exercise initiated by the governments of the Philippines and United States.

It is scheduled in the Philippines from May 5 to 16.

Cazcarro said the staff planning exercises are scheduled in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City and in Western Command in Puerto Princesa while the field training exercises will be conducted in military camps in Luzon -- Clark Air Base, Crow Valley and Fort Magsaysay.

"Balikatan 2014 is structured to further develop the AFP in crisis-action planning, enhancing its ability to effectively conduct counter-terrorism operations, and promote interoperability with the US Armed Forces," she added.

The annual exercise is consistent with the Mutual Defense Treaty and Visiting Forces Agreement between the Philippines and the US which aim is to continue both countries’ commitment to train, share information and provide support to each other.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=636523