AFP Wescom to host 2 high-impact 'Balikatan' events

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 19, 2024): AFP Wescom to host 2 high-impact 'Balikatan' events (By Priam Nepomuceno)

MANILA – The Armed Forces of the Philippines' (AFP) Western Command (Wescom) based in Palawan province will host two high impact activities for this year's "Balikatan" exercise set from April 22 to May 10.

"Wescom will be the hub of two major CJADO (Combined Joint All Domain Operations) events – Training on Maritime Key Terrain Security Operations and the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System Rapid Insertion (HIRAIN) Operations," Wescom chief Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos said in a social media post late Thursday.

Ahead of the drills, United States military units participating in this year's exercise had already started establishing logistics infrastructure in Wescom's joint operational area.

Participants will engage in simulations, live-fire drills, and tactical exercises, aimed at enhancing cooperation and boosting the capabilities of the AFP and the US military.

These training events are expected to increase the allied forces’ ability to work together in response to crises across the military spectrum to accomplish the mission while also supporting the local population.

Apart from these training events, several humanitarian civic assistance projects such as the ongoing construction of a health care center in Barangay Punta Baja, Rizal, and the upcoming civil-military engagements in the area also aim to provide immediate and direct benefit to the local communities of Palawan.

“We welcome all participating contingents as we prepare for the PH-US Balikatan 39-2024 here in Palawan. Together, we will strive for a successful exercise that not only strengthens our bilateral ties but also brings benefits to our country and our allies,” Carlos said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1222980