Monday, May 7, 2018

Annual military exercises enhance PH security

From the Philippine News Agency (May 8): Annual military exercises enhance PH security

The annual "Balikatan" exercises is aimed at improving Philippine security, stability, and development.

This was emphasized by Philippine Balikatan exercise director Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Salamat during Monday's opening ceremonies.

"Balikatan 34-2018 is a significant military exercise where the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the US military primarily shared a commitment in moving together to contribute to our country’s security, stability, and development. This is an annual activity particularly aimed at the Philippine-US partnership, cooperation, and commitment to Mutual Defense Treaty," he added.

He added the annual military training exercises manifest the long-standing relationship between the AFP and US Armed Forces.

"We will extend this commitment to strengthen our alliance and learn from both forces to improve our inter-operability.”

“This year’s focus is to enhance our capability and cooperation for humanitarian assistance and disaster response and counter-terrorism activities," Salamat pointed out.

In this year's Balikatan exercises, around 5,000 soldiers, marines, airmen and sailors from the AFP along with 3,000 coming the US Marines, Navy, Air Force and Special Operations Force will be participating in the two-week maneuvers which started May 7 and will end on the 18th.

Around 20 personnel from the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force and 60 from the Australian Defense Forces will also participate as observers in the above-mentioned exercises.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1034523

Bomb, guns seized in Sultan Kudarat raid

From the Philippine News Agency (May 7): Bomb, guns seized in Sultan Kudarat raid



SEIZED. War materials recovered by government forces from an MILF member in Sultan Kudarat.
(33rd IB photo)

LUTAYAN, Sultan Kudarat -- Joint Army and police forces raided a house here Sunday and seized war materiel, including an improvised bomb and bomb-making components from a rebel’s home, a military official said.

Lt. Colonel Harold Cabunoc, Army’s 33rd Infantry Battalion commander, who led the operation, said Lasian Manibpel, the subject of the search warrant, managed to escape towards a nearby forest when police and soldiers, backed by armored personnel carrier, swooped down on the village of Sisiman at 3 a.m. Sunday.


“The suspect retreated to the mountains after sensing the arrival of the government troops. He is an alleged member of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front based on the recovered identification card inside the house,” Cabunoc said.

Government forces recovered from Manibpel’s house rifle grenades, an M16 rifle, two shotguns, and a bandolier with M16 rifle magazines.

Thirty persons were apprehended in connection with the raid on Manibpel's house but were later released to village chair Sandiale Mando after a thorough investigation.

The joint operation was conducted following the April 29 bombing in Koronadal City that left two persons injured.

Senior Supt. Nestor Salcedo, the police provincial director of South Cotabato, said the recovered improvised bomb has similar components with the bombs that were detonated in Koronadal City.

An explosive ordnance disposal specialist said the bomb components include nails, electrical wires, and cellphone triggering device," Salcedo said.

"There is a possibility that the bomb maker is the same as the one who fabricated the bombs (that exploded) in Koronadal,” the police official said.

Lutayan residents had opposed occupation by MILF forces in January last year that led to the murder of a local resident, Sultan Kudarat Governor Pax Mangudadatu said.

“There is no recognized MILF camp in Sultan Kudarat especially in my hometown in Lutayan. I will formally write a complaint against the presence of an armed group here because it violates the GPH-MILF Joint Ceasefire Agreement,” Pax Mangudadatu said following the raid.

Cabunoc said a complaint will be lodged before the Coordinating Committee for the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) tasked to monitor ceasefire violations between government forces and the MILF.
The discovery of weapons and the presence of bomb-making materials inside Manibpel's house, he said, was a violation of the ceasefire agreement.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1034374

3 ASG bandits slain, 7 soldiers wounded in Sulu clash

From the Philippine News Agency (May 7): 3 ASG bandits slain, 7 soldiers wounded in Sulu clash



Three Abu Sayyaf bandits were killed while seven soldiers were wounded as firefight ensued while operations to rescue the two policewomen and their two companions continue in the province of Sulu, a top military official said Monday.

Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Joint Task Force Sulu commander, said the firefight broke out around 6:14 a.m. Monday at Sitio Sangay, Barangay Buhanginan, Patikul town.

Sobejana said the firefight erupted as the troops encountered around 70 Abu Sayyaf bandits led by sub-leaders Idang Susukan and Almujer Yada while they were conducting operations to rescue the four kidnap victims.


The Abu Sayyaf bandits are holding captives PO3 Benierose Alvarez, PO1 Dinah Gumahad, Jakosalem Blas, and Faizal Ahidji. They were snatched on April 29 in Barangay Liang, Patikul, Sulu, while aboard a tricycle coming from the headquarters of the 45th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Buhanginan.

Sobejana said the Abu Sayyaf bandits fled to different directions as attack helicopters provided air support to the ground troops.

He said the three slain Abu Sayyaf bandits were identified only by their first names as Moktar, Julhadi and Surayb.

It is believed that several other bandits were wounded as bloodstains were visible in their withdrawal path, the military official said.

Sobejana did not release the identities of the wounded soldiers except to say they belong to the Army’s 21st Infantry Battalion.

Sobejana said the military operations will continue to focus on rescue of the kidnapped victims and to reduce the bandits’ strength to insignificant level.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1034401

Lanao youth leaders join Malaysia educational tour

From the Philippine News Agency (May 7): Lanao youth leaders join Malaysia educational tour

A four-day educational tour involving 30 Muslim youth participants from the two Lanao provinces kicked off Sunday with a send-off ceremony at the Laguindingan Airport, attended by local government and military officials.

On its third year now, the educational tour in Subang, Malaysia is a project of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in cooperation with the Malaysian Embassy.

In her message to the Lanao participants, Marawi City Mayor Majul Usman Gandamra encouraged them to learn from "culture and experiences of both countries."

“Education is one of the greatest consideration and priority of Marawi City. The youth has our full support because we want them to achieve excellence that is coupled with the virtues, discipline and gratitude,” Gadamra said.

For his part, Maj. General Roseller Murillo, commander of the Army's 1st Infantry Division, emphasized the important role of the youth "as partners in nation-building."

“Malaysia is a modern community--they all unite against terrorism. Whatever good practices you may learn in your tour, you apply it here when you comeback," Gen. Murillo told the participants during the send-off ceremony.

Dubbed the "Youth Leaders’ Educational Tour", the yearly tour for Muslim youth leaders aims to expose the participants to a predominantly Muslim country and learn from their best practices.

It can be recalled that the first batch of the educational tour was held from November 23-26, 2016 while the second batch was on November 20-23, 2017. Both events were hosted by the Malaysian government.

This year's tour gathered a total of 50 participants from all over Mindanao.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1034486

Davao peace body to launch program for NPA areas

From the Philippine News Agency (May 7): Davao peace body to launch program for NPA areas



The Davao city government will launch on Thursday its peace-building program for areas known to have significant New People’s Army (NPA) presence.

The launching in Paquibato Proper, this city, will be spearheaded by the Davao City Advisory Committee on Peace and Development (DC Peace Dev), the local peace body that Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio created last year to initiate negotiations with the communist rebel group.

City Information Officer Jefry Tupas said the comprehensive peace-building program for Paquibato District was conceived after months of consultations between community members and the DC Peace Dev.

Paquibato District, located in the city's second congressional district, used to be a stronghold of the NPA in the early 80s, hindering the delivery of basic services and development in the area.

Tupas said the program includes components for agriculture, health, youth, women, security, Indigenous Peoples, and education.

As part of its functions, the DC Peace Dev oversees the implementation of poverty-alleviation programs recommended by communities where NPA maintains significant presence.

Mayor Sara has earlier cited poverty as the primary reason that pushes people in the rural areas to join the communist insurgency.

She said that with or without the peace talks between the government and the rebel group, the city's development efforts will be sustained.

Duterte-Carpio cancelled the localized peace negotiation with the NPA following the declaration by President Rodrigo Duterte of the communist rebels as terrorists.

Still, the mayor decided not to dissolve DC-Peace Dev so that consultations and development works in far-flung communities can continue.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1034476

Maguindanao town execs hand over 22 loose firearms

From the Philippine News Agency (May 7): Maguindanao town execs hand over 22 loose firearms



FIREARMS YIELD. Mayor Abubacar Paglas of Datu Paglas, Maguindanao leads the turnover of loose firearms to Army's 33rd Infantry Battalion commander Harold Cabunoc during at the Paglas town hall on Monday (May 7). (33rd IB Photo)

The military has voiced confidence that the surrender of unlicensed firearms to authorities will help ensure a peaceful and orderly May 14 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) in Datu Paglas, Maguindanao.

Led by Datu Paglas Mayor Abubacar Paglas, at least 22 loose firearms collected from residents by the local government unit were turned over Monday to Lt. Colonel Harold Cabunoc, the commander of the Army’s 33rd Infantry Battalion (IB).

Datu Paglas is the third municipality within the 33rd IB’s area of responsibility that has complied with the directive of President Rodrigo Duterte to collect and hand over loose firearms to authorities, Col. Cabunoc said.

Among the firearms surrendered were two Garand rifles, one Carbine caliber .30, four M14 rifles, one M16, one .30-caliber Barrett sniper’s rifle, six Springfield bolt action rifles, one M7 rifle, three shotguns, and two submachine guns.

“(It is) our intention to support the Balik Baril program because it will free our constituents from harm,” Paglas said.

The mayor added he hopes to receive more loose guns from civilians in the runup to the elections “so we will have a peaceful election.”

Cabunoc said the military is open to accept guns voluntarily surrendered by civilians, but will also continue to hunt down those in possession of unlicensed firearms.

Maj. Gen. Arnel dela Vega, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, lauded the residents of Datu Paglas for participating in the government’s disarmament program "to help build a peaceful community."

Since January, a total of 1,041 firearms were surrendered and recovered in the areas covered by the 6ID that include the provinces of Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat, parts of North Cotabato and Lanao del Sur.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1034473

PH to acquire new tech to verify missile deployment in WPS: Palace

From the Philippine News Agency (May 7): PH to acquire new tech to verify missile deployment in WPS: Palace


Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque (Presidential Photos)

The Philippine government is acquiring a new technology that will verify reports that China has deployed missile systems in the disputed West Philippine Sea (WPS), MalacaƱang said Monday.

Latest media reports showed that China deployed missiles to (Kagitingan) Fiery Cross Reef, (Zamora) Subi Reef and (Panganiban) Mischief Reef within the past 30 days. Earlier reports said that China has installed a jamming device in one of the areas in the disputed waters.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said that the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has not yet verified if reports of missile deployments are true but the government is exerting efforts to verify by acquiring a new technology according to National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr.

“We still do not have the verification. I had a talk with the National Security Adviser (Esperon) and he told me that there’s a technology that we need that we still don’t have to be able to verify it for ourselves,” Roque said in a Palace briefing.

He did not give further details about the kind of technology to be used or which country the Philippines will be acquiring it from.

“I’m not sure from what country. He (Esperon) says that we’re awaiting delivery but we don’t have that capacity yet,” Roque said.

Asking China
Roque said that while the government could get information about the reported missile deployment from third-party sources, it was best to confirm through first-party verification.

“There’s still a technology that is awaiting to verify everything. There is a way for verifying for ourselves,” Roque said.

Roque said that the Philippine government was not closing its doors to asking China about the reported missile deployment but maintained that it will be for the DFA to carry out.

“I’m not saying we’re not going to ask China but the DFA will exercise all diplomatic initiatives and we leave it to the DFA,” Roque said.

Last Friday, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying neither confirmed nor denied the reported missile deployment but said that China’s construction in the Spratly archipelago, including the deployment of necessary national defense facilities, is meant to protect China’s sovereignty and security.

Roque stressed that the construction being done by China is “not new construction” since what China promised is that they would not make new reclamation or artificial islands.

Asked if this meant that China was allowed to build anything except new artificial islands, Roque said: “I’m not saying it’s okay, but that’s the promise.”

“The promise was that as far as new reclamation and new artificial islands are concerned,” Roque said.

No betrayal of trust

Roque, meanwhile, rejected claims that the reported missile deployment was a betrayal of trust since what China promised is not to construct artificial islands.

He assured anew that there are steps being undertaken by the Philippine government on the reported missile deployment.

“Why is it a betrayal of trust? All diplomatic initiatives are being undertaken,” Roque said.

According to Roque, President Rodrigo R. Duterte himself views the reported missile deployment “from an overall perspective” noting that reclamation started during the term of his predecessor former President Benigno S. Aquino III.

“Nandiyan na yung mga isla na 'yun (Those islands have already been there) when we came in and it can’t be denied that whether or not China would admit it, it would be used for military purposes,” Roque said.

“Ang sinasabi nga ng Presidente (What the President is saying) is we’re trying to do the best that we can under existing circumstances. We are exploring all diplomatic options,” he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1034393

8K Filipino, US troops to participate in 'Balikatan' exercises

From the Philippine News Agency (May 7): 8K Filipino, US troops to participate in 'Balikatan' exercises



Around 8,000 American and Filipino troops will be participating in this year's "Balikatan" exercises which started Monday and will end on May 18.

Lt. Liezl M. Vidallon, "Balikatan" Combined Joint Information Bureau head, said this figure is composed of 5,000 soldiers, marines, airmen and sailors from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and 3,000 troops from the US Marines, Navy, Air Force and Special Operations Force.

Some 20 troops from the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force and 60 troops from the Australian Defense Force will also participate as observers in the two-week maneuvers.

This year's "Balikatan" is the 34th iteration of the bilateral exercise between the AFP and the United States Pacific Command.

"The 'Balikatan' Exercise is an annual military training that manifest the long-standing relationship between the AFP and the US Armed Forces. We will continue this commitment to strenghten our alliance to learn from both forces and improve our inter-operability. This year's focus is to enhance our capacity for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and counter-terrorism," Philippine "Balikatan" Exercise director Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Salamat said during Monday's opening ceremonies.

"Our nations expects us to be ready when they need us the most. So whether that threat is man-made or natural, we must ready. That is the great essence of 'Balikatan'," US "Balikatan" Exercise director Lt. Gen. Lawrence D. Nicholson said.

"Balikatan" 2018 activities are focused on addressing traditional and non-traditional security concerns.

The exercise scenarios are based on mutual defense, counter-terrorism, and HADR. Vidallon said "Balikatan 2018" is broken down to three distinct sections.

"First there are individuals participating in a fictional scenario, which will improve the planner's ability to command and control forces from headquarters level. Second, there are the operational events, which includes activities like an amphibious landing, bridging and ccmmunication integration, among others. Third, there is also the civic actions which focuses on building schools as well as medical and dental education, and spiritual enhancement activities in selected areas in Cagayan, Isabela, Tarlac, and Cabanatuan City. Some of which have already started as early as April," Vidallon added.

Participating AFP naval assets in "Balikatan" 2018 are BRP Ramon Alcaraz (FF-16) and BRP Davao Del Sur (LD-602) along with Filipino aircraft consisting of the KAI FA-50PH jet fighters, SIAI-Marchetti SF-260, W-3A "Sokol" combat utility helicopters, MG-520 attack helicopters and Lockheed C-130 "Hercules" cargo aircraft.

Armored personnel carriers like the M-113 and ARVs will be participating in the exercises.

While the US contingent will deploy various Army, Marine, and naval assets like the C-130H C-17 "Globemaster" III, MV-22B "Osprey" and USNS Sacagawea.

In last year's 'Balikatan' exercises, around 2,800 Filipino soldiers, 2,600 Americans and 80 members of the Australian Defence Forces and 20 from the Japan Self Defense Force participated in the series of military maneuvers which started May 8 and ended on the 18th.

Highlights of last year's exercises are the urban search-and-rescue and collapsed structures exercises which was conducted at Fort Magsaysay, Palayan City, Nueva Ecija.

The former involves rescue methods for individuals trapped in collapsed structures, a common occurrence in massive earthquakes.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1034389

PH, US troops to revisit lessons from Marawi siege

From the Philippine News Agency (May 7): PH, US troops to revisit lessons from Marawi siege

Participating American and Filipino troops in this year's "Balikatan" exercises will revisit the lessons learned by the Armed Forces of the Philippines from the five-month battle to retake Marawi City from the hands from the Maute Group terrorists.

"We want both our forces to learn from our great and hard-earned experience in our past battles like Marawi and I think this is one of the highlight of this year's activity," "Balikatan
Philippine Exercise director Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Salamat said Monday.

Fighting in Marawi started on May 23, 2017 when Maute Group terrorists conducted massive attacks in the city.

It was only declared over after military units succeeded in neutralizing Abu Sayyaf leader and ISIS emir in Southeast Asia, Isnilon Hapilon, Maute co-founder, Omar Maute, and nearly 1,000 militants sometime in October.

The bulk of the urban warfare training, which include the tactics used in countering the terrorists, will be conducted in Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija. Salamat said training will be done together by Filipino and US Special Operations Forces.

 In line with this training, the Filipino official said they have have set-up mock-up facilities to be able to design the training activities in scenarios that will highlight military operations in urban terrain.

In this year's "Balikatan" exercises, around 5,000 soldiers, marines, airmen and sailors from the Armed Forces of the Philippines along with 3,000 coming from the US Marines, Navy, Air Force and Special Operations Force participated in the two-week maneuvers, which started on May 7. It will end on the 18th.

Around 20 personnel from the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force and 60 from the Australian Defence Forces will also participate as observers in the above-mentioned exercises.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said that this year's "Balikatan" will focus on inter-operability training to address traditional and non-traditional security concerns.

"Through this exercise, we hope to improve our counter-terrorism capabilities in order to build safer communities and work towards the eradication of global terror networks," the defense chief disclosed.

"We hope that through this activity we will have a stronger teamwork while we endeavor to our common vision of developing long term cooperation and effective interoperability between the Philippines and the United States and our allies," he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1034408

Coast Guard displays new firearms vs. piracy, terrorism

From the Philippine News Agency (May 7): Coast Guard displays new firearms vs. piracy, terrorism



(Photo courtesy of Philippine Coast Guard)

Seventy Tavor sub-machine Guns 9mm were presented Monday before Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commandant Rear Admiral Elson Hermogino at the PCG National Headquarters Port Area, Manila after the agency’s flag raising ceremony.

The Israeli-made weapons were delivered last week and will be utilized by PCG’s elite force in combating piracy and terrorism at sea.


The PCG is also set to acquire a PHP1 billion worth of weaponry this year as provided in the General Appropriation Act of 2018.

The acquisition will include 9 mm pistol for all of its personnel, assault and sniper rifles for the Special Operations Force, machine guns for small boat operations, and heavy machine guns with automatic gyro stabilizer for PCG vessels.


The weapons will beef up the PCG’s capability for maritime security and law enforcement operations.

Monday's event was witnessed by PCG officers and personnel, led by PCG Chief of Coast Guard Staff, Commodore Eduardo Fabricante.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1034414

'Balikatan' unrelated to Chinese missile reports

From the Philippine News Agency (May 7): 'Balikatan' unrelated to Chinese missile reports

This year's "Balikatan" exercises is not connected in any way to reports claiming that Chinese missiles systems have been installed in several reefs and islets in the South China Sea.

This was stressed by US Balikatan Exercise director Lt. Gen. Lawrence D. Nicholson Monday.

"This exercise was scheduled whether those missiles were there or not, and again this is region of change, there are constant things developing within the region but the exercise has long been planned, you know we are already, probably two weeks from now we are talking about next year's 'Balikatan' and you can imagine all the things that will occur in the theater between now and then," he added.

Philippine Balikatan exercise director Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Salamat, meanwhile, said the exercises are just intended to provide training opportunities for both armed forces.

Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said this year's Balikatan will focus on inter-operability training to address traditional and non-traditional security concerns.

"Through this exercise, we hope to improve our counter-terrorism capabilities in order to build safer communities and work towards the eradication of global terror networks," the DND chief disclosed.

"We hope that through this activity we will have a stronger teamwork while we endeavor to achieve our common vision of developing long term cooperation and effective inter-operability between the Philippines and the United States and our allies," he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1034421

Imam awarded for acting as Marawi top cop during siege

From the Philippine News Agency (May 7): Imam awarded for acting as Marawi top cop during siege

A police officer who is also a Muslim imam received the Medalya ng Pambihirang Paglilingkod for taking over as a police chief of Marawi City at the height of the siege last year.

Chief Supt. Ebra M. Moxsir, Al Haj, a Maranao Muslim imam with the Philippine National Police (PNP) Chaplain Service, was among the seven officers awarded Monday by PNP Director General Oscar Albayalde for their outstanding and meritorious service.


Moxsir is a graduate of Mindanao State University and has a doctorate in Public Administration.

Aside from Moxsir, also given the Medalya ng Pambihirang Paglilingkod were Chief Supt. Joselito Teodoro Esquievel Jr., Chief Supt. Marlon Ganzon, Chief Supt. Celso PestaƱo, Chief Supt. Ericson Velasquez and Chief Supt. Ferdinand Divina.

National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Director Camilo Pancratius Cascolan was also given the Medalya ng Katapatan sa Paglilingkod for his service while director of the PNP Directorate for Operations.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1034395

'Balikatan' evolving through the years

From the Philippine News Agency (May 7): 'Balikatan' evolving through the years

"Balikatan" has now evolved to meet the challenges of the modern times.

This was emphasized by Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana during the opening ceremony of this year's Balikatan exercises held at Armed Forces of the Philippines Commissioned Officers' Club, Quezon City Monday.

"I witnessed first-hand the planning of the first Balikatan here in the Philippines in the early 80s. In fact, I was one of the planners there, I was a captain, and I think I was (and) I was also, the co-director of Balikatan 2002, a month before I took my designation as the defense attache in Washington D.C.," Lorenzana said.

"And I am grateful that until today I am still part of this exercise that has evolved to meet the challenges of times. It has metamorphosed from a purely bilateral exercise to one where other US and Philippine allies and partners like Japan and Australia can participate in varying degrees or merely as observers," he added.

In this year's Balikatan exercises, around 5,000 soldiers, marines, airmen and sailors from the Armed Forces of the Philippines along with 3,000 servicemen coming from the US Marines, Navy, Air Force and Special Operations Force will be participating in the two-week maneuvers which started May 7 and will end on the 18th.

Around 20 personnel from the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force and 60 from the Australian Defence Forces will also participate as observers in the above-mentioned exercises.

"This 34th iteration of the biggest annual bilateral exercise between the Philippines and US aims not only to broaden the defense relationships between our two countries but primarily to have our increased and effective inter-operability as this year's exercise theme suggests," Lorenzana said.

He added inter-operability, being espoused by Balikatan, is an enabler for nation building as it facilitates meaningful contribution by partners or allies.

"As the current formulation of the United States' national security strategy states, we must always be prepared to act alone and that is our most advantageous course. But many of our security objectives are best achieved or can only be achieved through our alliances and other formal security structures," the DND chief pointed out.

"And Balikatan is one activity that we annually do with the US as our ally that manifests our desire to work together over the long term to achieve and maintain shared interests against common threats," he added.

Lorenzana said this year's Balikatan will focus on interoperability training to address traditional and non-traditional security concerns.

"Through this exercise, we hope to improve our counter-terrorism capabilities in order to build safer communities and work towards the eradication of global terror networks," the DND chief disclosed.

"We hope that through this activity we will have a stronger teamwork while we endeavor to our common vision of developing long term cooperation and effective interoperability between the Philippines and the United States and our allies," he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1034398

'Balikatan' participants asked to enjoy PH hospitality

From the Philippine News Agency (May 8): 'Balikatan' participants asked to enjoy PH hospitality

Aside from sharing military expertise, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez urged all foreign participants in this year's "Balikatan" to enjoy the traditional Filipino hospitality.

"On a lighter note, I encourage our foreign participants to feel at home and join our world- renowned filipino hospitality. You will find that our proud heritage and culture is not that far from yours. That we all share the same beliefs and principles of honor, service, and patriotism," he said during Monday's opening ceremonies.

In this year's "Balikatan" exercises, around 5,000 soldiers, marines, airmen and sailors from the AFP along with 3,000 coming the US Marines, Navy, Air Force and Special Operations Force will be participating in the two-week maneuvers from May 7 to 18.

Around 20 personnel from the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force and 60 from the Australian Defence Forces will also participate as observers in the above-mentioned exercises.

"In closing, allow me to quote the former US President Bill Clinton, 'We all do better when we work together. Our differences do matter but our common humanity matters more,' " Galvez said.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana earlier said that this year's "Balikatan" will focus on inter-operability training to address traditional and non-traditional security concerns.

"Through this exercise, we hope to improve our counter-terrorism capabilities in order to build safer communities and work towards the eradication of global terror networks," the defense chief disclosed.

"We hope that through this activity we will have a stronger teamwork while we endeavor to our common vision of developing long term cooperation and effective inter-operability between the Philippines and the United States and our allies," he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1034507