Balikatan 2018 launched in Nolcom

From the Philippine News Agency (May 8): Balikatan 2018 launched in Nolcom

CAMP AQUINO, Tarlac City ---The Staff Exercise (STAFFEX) and Command Post Exercise (CPX) for Balikatan 2018 started on Tuesday in Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) grounds here.

Brig. Gen. Milfredo M. Melegrito, NOLCOM deputy commander and designated Exercise Support Group (ESG) director, graced the ceremony signaling the start of the exercise inside this camp.

Melegrito said the STAFFEX and CPX, which will be conducted at the NOLCOM headquarters here, are some of the activities for Balikatan 2018 that will emphasize joint and combined application on military planning and decision making process that will address simulated scenarios.
“The STAFFEX/CPX will also test the joint planning skills and synchronization of planned actions of Filipino officers, in tandem with their US counterparts, in resolving typical defense and security contingencies,” he said.

The theme of the exercise will be on mutual defense; counter-terrorism; and humanitarian assistance and disaster response wherein scenarios will include planning and participation of PH and US government, focusing on maritime security; chemical, biological, radiological, ruclear and Explosives (CBRNE) threats; and humanitarian assistance.

Melegrito added that NOLCOM personnel, together with other units involved in the training, will actively participate in the conduct of Balikatan 2018, to acquire optimum mutual benefits from the exercise and strengthen relations between involved forces.
 http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1034602