PHL-US military alliance boosted by 'Balikatan' --AFP chief

From the Philippine News Agency (May 5): PHL-US military alliance boosted by 'Balikatan' --AFP chief

The military alliance between the Philippines and the United States has been greatly strengthened due to the bilateral exercise called "Balikatan" -- a Filipino word meaning shoulder-to-shoulder.

This year's "Balikatan" exercise is the 30th iteration of the annual military maneuver slated from May 5 to 16.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Emmanuel Bautista officially declared the Philippines-United States "Balikatan" Exercise 2014 open during ceremonies held Monday morning at the AFP Commissioned Officers' Clubhouse in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

In his speech, Bautista noted that for over 60 years, the Philippines and the U.S. have stood shoulder-to- shoulder in commitment to peace, security, stability, and development.

"The 'Balikatan' Exercise is a clear affirmation of this. Through the 'Balikatan', Philippine and U.S. troops have learned from each other to improve interoperability, advance peace and security in the Asia-Pacific, and ensure that amidst evolving security challenges in an increasingly dynamic world, this alliance can be relied on," Bautista stressed.

Meanwhile, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario said that, "With the launch of the 'Balikatan' Exercise today, its 30th reiteration, we have once again showed the world the strength and continued relevance of our alliance, and its ability to confront new challenges."

He also mentioned in his speech that the United States has always been a key partner of the Philippines in building the country's defense capabilities.

Del Rosario likewise stressed the significant role of both the Filipino and American troops in the conduct of disaster response operations following super typhoon "Yolanda" in November last year.

This year's exercise will focus on maritime security, humanitarian assistance and disaster response, and humanitarian civic assistance.

Lt. Gen. Hernando DCA Iriberri, Philippine Army commander, who was also present during the opening ceremonies, reiterated that this year's Combined Army Forces (CARFOR) events will be held in Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija to be participated in by combined Philippine Army and U.S. Army forces.

The 20th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army will be the biggest contingent of the PA forces and they will be participating in the Battalion Staff Exercises, combat life support training, and Battalion Field training exercises with their U.S. counterparts.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=640579