San Jose PH-US ‘Balikatan’ exercises start April 11

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 8): San Jose PH-US ‘Balikatan’ exercises  start April 11

The Antiqueños will be given an opportunity to witness for the first time the conduct of  joint military exercises between the Philippines and United States Armed Forces in the upcoming “Balikatan” Exercises set to start April 11, 2016 in San Jose.

Division Public Affairs Officer Lt. Col. Ray C. Tiongson of the 3RD Infantry (Spearhead) Division, Philippine Army said that at the coastline of Barangay Funda, Dalipe, will be the site for the landing of amphibious vehicles.

“We expect to see Naval ship, and aircrafts of the US like the CH47 or Chinook, C130 and MV22 Osprey,” Tiongson said during the recent meeting of the Provincial Peace and Order Council Meeting convened by Gov. Exequiel B. Javier.

The Balikatan Exercise will be conducted in three provinces in Panay island Antique, Capiz and Iloilo from April 4 to 16, 2016 focusing on variety of missions to include humanitarian assistance, maritime law enforcement and environmental protection.

The purpose of the activities according to Tiongson is  is to enhance techniques, tactics and procedures as a critical part of interoperability as well as readiness and cooperation of both countries, consistent with the Mutual Defense Treaty and Visiting Forces Agreement.

He further said that the interoperability operational events will be conducted in Antique, and this will involve the transport of personnel and logistics, the amphibious landing, ship to shore movement illustrating aimed capability in rapid response that will further increase the level of readiness and effectiveness in providing relief and assistance to the local communities in the event of natural disasters and other crises.

“All civic military operations and projects under the Humanitarian Civic Assistance events, activities and training exercises in Antique will be planned and executed to ensure that maximum safety, care and respect are afforded to the community,” Tiongson said.

 A series of structural assessment for airports and seaports in the provinces of Capiz, Aklan, Antique and Iloilo will also be conducted during the Balikatan exercise.

The Balikatan 2016 Exercise formally opened last April 4 in Camp Peralta, Jamindan, Capiz and the closing ceremony will be held at Matangharon Elementary School in Dingle, Iloilo on April 16, 2016.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/921460100577/san-jose-ph-us-balikatan-exercises-start-april-11