NextGen Day

MANILA, Philippines — Gen. Andres Centino, chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), said this year’s “Balikatan” exercises provided an opportunity for Manila to demonstrate and test the capabilities of military assets it has acquired and developed in recent years.

Centino said these include new AFP air assets such as the S-70i Black Hawk and AgustaWestland helicopters, FA-50 jet fighters, the “Super Tucano” attack aircraft, naval assets such as the new landing dock, and ground assets such as the newly refurbished armored personnel carriers and artillery at the closing ceremony of this year’s exercises on Friday.

“I am confident that both Armed Forces have profited from each other’s experiences in dealing with insurgents and terrorists, and we have benefited from your talents in using modern technologies,” the AFP commander stated.

The annual military training, he said, demonstrates the importance of collaboration and interpersonal relationships between the two militaries.

“Our desire to train and work together strengthens our friendship and helps our forces to succeed together, particularly in terms of learning from one another and developing camaraderie that I am confident will survive beyond this exercise,” he added.

The yearly “Balikatan” drill is also one of the country’s proactive efforts in coping with unprecedented and real-world difficulties, according to the AFP commander.

“As we execute our respective obligations in sustaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific Region, this exercise successfully capacitates our Armed Forces,” he added.

The yearly joint and combined exercise “Balikatan,” which means “shoulder-to-shoulder” or “shouldering the load together,” is held by the AFP and the US Indo-Pacific Command to promote bilateral interoperability, and capabilities, confidence, and collaboration gained over decades of shared experiences.

This year’s “Balikatan” exercises feature 3,800 members of the Philippine Armed Forces (AFP) and 5,100 members of the United States military, the largest number of combined personnel from the two militaries in the annual exercise since the start of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic in 2020.

Apart from Centino, Maj. Gen. Charlton Sean Gaerlan, Philippine Exercise Director; Brig. Gen. Joseph Clearfield, US Exercise Director representative; and Defense Undersecretary Cardozo Luna were also present at the “Balikatan” closing ceremonies in AFP general headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

“The knowledge obtained from Exercise ‘Balikatan’ enhanced our existing mutual security efforts and complimented our security cooperation initiatives.” “Despite the limits imposed by the epidemic, it is really noteworthy that the exercise was completed and resulted in a positive outcome,” Gaerlan added.

Heather Variava, the interim Chargé d’Affaires of the US Embassy in the Philippines, was a special guest and speaker.

“Following a two-year global epidemic, the US and Philippine military have joined forces to execute one of the largest Balikatan exercises ever held.” “This demonstrates the strength of the US-Philippine partnership and our countries’ shared priorities,” Variava added.

Meanwhile, Clearfield, who is also the deputy commander of the US Marine Corps Forces Pacific, said the completion of this year’s “Balikatan” shows both sides’ shared commitment to advancing peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region.

“As a result of our joint efforts, our military has grown closer in friendship, and we are better equipped to respond to any crisis or challenge as one unified unit,” he added.

During “Balikatan” 20222, the Philippine and US exercise forces used around 50 aircraft, four ships, ten amphibious craft, four high mobility artillery rocket system launchers, and four Patriot missile systems.

Around 40 Australian Defense Force troops participated in this year’s drill.

Multiple humanitarian and civic assistance initiatives were also carried out by the AFP and the US military, including the repair of four elementary schools, multiple community health engagements, and the exchange of advanced emergency rescue and lifesaving techniques.

Save/Share this story with QR CODE

---

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute endorsement of any specific technologies or methodologies and financial advice or endorsement of any specific products or services.

Need to get in touch?

Feel free to Contact NextGenDay.com for comments, suggestions, reviews, or anything else.

---

We appreciate your reading. Simple Ways To Say Thanks & Support Us:
1.) GIVE A TIP. Send a small donation thru Paypal
Your DONATION will be used to fund and maintain NEXTGENDAY.com
Subscribers in the Philippines can make donations to mobile number 0917 906 3081, thru GCash.
3.) BUY or SIGN UP to our AFFILIATE PARTNERS.
4.) Give this news article a THUMBS UP, and Leave a Comment (at Least Five Words).

---

AFFILIATE PARTNERS

World Class Nutritional Supplements - Buy Highest Quality Products, Purest Most Healthy Ingredients, Direct to your Door! Up to 90% OFF.
Join LiveGood Today - A company created to satisfy the world's most demanding leaders and entrepreneurs, with the best compensation plan today.

---