From GMA News Online (Mar 15, 2019): Balikatan exercises opens with humanitarian activities
The US Embassy announced on Friday that the Balikatan 2019 military drills had officially kicked off with humanitarian and civic assistance projects in different provinces in Luzon.
According to an embassy statement, Philippine, US, and Australian forces were present for ceremonies that would lead to the renovation of three elementary schools in Orani, Bataan; Pangil, Laguna; and San Juan, Batangas Province, as well as a health clinic in Moncada, Tarlac.
The construction projects, health engagements, and community relations events, were preparatory to the the military aspect of Balikatan 2019, which would take place from April 1 to 12.
The US Embassy further explained that the effort to improve local infrastructure, teach lifesaving medical skills strengthened ties between Philippine communities and Philippine, US and Australian military forces.
Balikatan is an annual military training event composed of humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, counter terrorism, and other combined military operations.
The exercise demonstrates US-Philippine cooperation and interoperability consistent with the Mutual Defense Treaty and Visiting Forces Agreement.
This year's exercise would focus on maritime security and amphibious capabilities, with US and Philippine forces expected to conduct amphibious operations, live-fire training, urban operations, aviation operations, and counterterrorism response in Luzon, Palawan, and Mindoro.
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/688118/balikatan-exercises-opens-with-humanitarian-activities/story/
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