‘Balikatan’ Exercises Instrumental In Quick Response Of PHL, US Forces In Disaster Situations

The annual ‘Balikatan” exercises is instrumental in providing both Filipino and American forces to response quickly in times of great disasters and calamities.

This was stressed by Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) undersecretary Jesus Yabes during Monday’s “Balikatan” opening ceremonies which was held at the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Commissioned Officers’ Club in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

“Our experience in typhoon Haiyan showed that the years of defense cooperation have allowed our countries to expand swiftly, collaboratively and comprehensively. At the same time, we are cognizant of the fact that the challenges become more complicated, and it is imperative that we undertake enhanced joint activities that will further strengthen the alliance and make nimble and responsive to any contingency,” he pointed out.

This is aside from “challenges that undermine international norms and laws” that both the Philippines and the United States are both facing.

“It is in this security landscape that we welcome the participation of Australia and of course Japan and the other observers from our neighbors in Southeast Asia and other regional partners,” Yabes stressed.

The DFA official also noted that he is pleased to learn that this year’s command post exercise will include simulations, supportive exercises of a 7.2-magnitude earthquake, giving participating military forces an opportunity to show their best ways and means in responding to such crisis.

“While we appreciate the significance of the US Department of Defense to our disaster relief efforts, our security forces who have broad experience in this endeavor also share critical skills to their counterparts. Aside from the human assistance and sisaster relief exercise, ‘Balikatan’ 2016 will continue to conduct humanitarian and civic assistance including engineering works and community relations. With the presence of our uniformed friends from ASEAN and regional partners, it is our hope that the Philippine is able to contribute to regional efforts to improve disaster preparedness and response,” he added.

Yabes disclosed that “Balikatan”, with its complex and comprehensive set of exercises, should continue to pursue its function of enhancing interoperability between the two forces and help the country build a more robust national defense structure.

“The defense cooperation cooperation between the Philippines and the US is a long standing arrangement, not targeting any specific country. It is an alliance that is anchored on shared principles and supportive of regional aspirations. This year has been marked by high level engagements between the Phil and US. In January, the 2 + 2 ministerial meeting between the foreign affairs and defense secretaries of our countries was held in Washington,” he added.

“This was followed by the special ASEAN US summit in California in February, and the 6th Phil-US bilateral strategic dialogue in March. Just last week, we welcomed a US congressional delegation from the Armed Services Committee of the US House of Representatives. In our interaction with our friends from the US, both sides have reaffirmed the strength of Phil-US alliance and its significance in regional efforts to maintain peace and stability. ‘Balikatan’ is a clear indication of the commitment of the two countries to the spirit of the Mutual Defense Treaty and to regional security,” he added.

“Balikatan 2016” formally opened this April 4 and will end on the 15th.

An estimated 3,773 Filipino soldiers and 4, 904 US troops will take part in the two-week military maneuvers. (PNA) BNB/PFN