Balikatan in Capiz seen to enhance PH troops' CBRN response

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 11, 2023): Balikatan in Capiz seen to enhance PH troops' CBRN response (By Perla Lena)

TRAINING. The Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear (CBRN) Training of the Balikatan Exercises 2023 officially opens at Camp General Macario B. Peralta in Jamindan, Capiz on Monday (April 10, 2023). The Philippine Army said the training aims to enhance the capabilities of the Philippine military and its allied forces in responding to chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats. (PNA photo courtesy of 3rd DPAO)

ILOILO CITY – The Philippine Army's 3rd Infantry "Spearhead" Division (3ID) is confident that the Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear (CBRN) Training under the Balikatan Exercises 2023 at Camp General Macario B. Peralta in Jamindan, Capiz will boost the capabilities of the Philippine military in responding to various kinds of threats.

“The CBRN training program is designed to enhance the capabilities of the Philippine military and its allied forces in responding to chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats,” a statement released on Tuesday by the 3ID Public Affairs Office (DPAO) read.

The statement added that the training program, which combines classroom lectures and hands-on and simulation exercises, will help improve the interoperability and readiness of both the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the United States (US) forces in responding to threats and disasters, including natural calamities and terrorist attacks.

3ID Commander M/Gen. Marion Sison is confident that the training, which was kicked off on Monday, will also allow the AFP and US counterparts to "learn from each other, share best practices, and strengthen our readiness to respond to CBRN-related incidents.

In a follow-up interview, 3ID Public Affairs Office (DPAO) officer-in-charge Lt. Col. Vicel Jan Garsuta said the five-day training is just one of the activities included in the Balikatan Exercises being participated by the Philippine Army’s CBRN unit and the US military.

“There are a lot of activities nationwide in identified strategic areas in Luzon, Visayas,” Garsuta said noting that more activities focusing on humanitarian and civic assistance projects, joint combat training exercises, and cultural exchange programs will also be conducted.

He said some of the best practices of the Philippine military in responding to disasters where also derived from the Balikatan Exercises.

This year's Balikatan exercises, which will run from April 11 to 28, is known to be the biggest so far, with 12,200 US and 5,400 Philippine troops involved compared to last year that had 9,000 participants.

According to AFP spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar, At least 11 Australian servicemen, dozens of foreign military observers, including from seven Association of Southeast Asian Nations member-countries is also expected to participate in the exercise.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1199153