US Embassy still tries own spin on Balikatan

From Malaya Business Insight (Apr 25): US Embassy still tries own spin on Balikatan



THE United States Embassy in Manila yesterday said this year’s Balikatan exercise between American and Filipino forces, which will run from May 8 to 19, is focused on meeting “current challenges facing the Philippines.” 

“Along with preparing the US forces’ and AFP’s ability to respond to natural disasters and deliver humanitarian aid, Balikatan will also increase our militaries’ terrorism capabilities,” press attaché Molly Koscina said in a statement.

Previous Balikatan exercises were focused on territorial defense. President Duterte has said he wants military exercises with the Americans to focus on humanitarian assistance and counter-terrorism.
The exercise will be conducted in various venues in Luzon, the Visayas, and the National Capital Region.

Maj. Celeste Frank Sayson, Balikatan public affairs officer, said the PH-US Mutual Defense Board and the Security Engagement Board have “carefully included President Duterte’s guidance for this year’s exercise.”
Sayson also said this year’s Balikatan will follow a single-scenario concept wherein a super typhoon “devastates” areas under Central and Northern Luzon commands, and Joint Task Force National Capital Region.

Sayson said the operational and counter-terrorism training that will be conducted under Balikatan includes advanced marksmanship, counter-improvised explosive devices, and maritime interdiction against piracy.

Sayson said details like the number of US and Filipino troops that will be participating in the exercise and the assets that will be involved are still being finalized.

At least 7,000 American and Filipino troopers took part in last year’s Balikatan exercise.

“As to the equipment, we will be utilizing the usual equipment, except the HIMARS (high mobility artillery rocket system). There will no HIMARS arriving for this year’s Balikatan,” said Sayson.

The HIMARS was used in the live fire exercises in Crow Valley in Tarlac. Sayson noted there will be no live fire training in this year’s Balikatan, though there will be sniper rifle and close-quarter battle events.

http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/us-embassy-still-tries-own-spin-balikatan