US, Philippines conclude military exercise

THE UNITED States and the Philippines concluded their joint military exercises dubbed as “Balikatan 2022” which involved nearly 9,000 soldiers, the largest ever mounted by the two allies since 1991.

U.S. Army Pacific Soldiers with Company C, 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, and Philippine Army Soldiers with Company B, 92nd Infantry Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division, conduct combined air assault cold load training during Balikatan 22 on Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija, Philippines, April 2, 2022.  (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Matthew Mackintosh, 28th Public Affairs Detachment)

Balikatan, which literally means “shoulder-to-shoulder,” is a longstanding bilateral exercise highlighting the deep-rooted partnership between the United States and the Philippines. 

The bilateral exercises, which began on March 29 from the northern coast of Luzon to Palawan, focused on maritime security, amphibious operations, live-fire training, urban operations, aviation operations, counterterrorism, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. The U.S. Navy and Philippine Navy played key roles providing sealift and off-shore support. 

The Philippines military and U.S. military also conducted multiple humanitarian and civic assistance projects, including the renovation of four elementary schools, multiple community health engagements, and the exchange of advanced emergency rescue and lifesaving techniques.  These construction projects, health engagements, and community relations events improved local infrastructure, facilitated the exchange of lifesaving medical skills, and strengthened ties between local communities and Filipino and American military forces.  

Chargé d’Affaires ad interim Heather Variava

“After two years of a global pandemic, U.S. and Philippine forces have come together to complete one of the largest Balikatan exercises ever held. This is a testament to the strength of the U.S.-Philippine alliance and the shared priorities of our countries,” said U.S. Embassy in the Philippines Chargé d’Affaires ad interim Heather Variava.   

Variava said the Philippines military and U.S. forces will continue to train and stand together routinely during other exercises and initiatives throughout the year to promote readiness, interoperability, friendship, and security.  

Brig. Gen. Joseph Clearfield, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Pacific Deputy Commander, said the completion of yet another successful Balikatan is a clear example of shared commitment to advancing peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. “As a result of our mutual efforts, our militaries have grown together in friendship, and we are better prepared to respond as one cohesive team to any crisis or challenge,” he said.  

Maj. Gen. Charlton Sean Gaerlan, Philippine military exercise director, also said the experience gained from the exercise complemented the security cooperation endeavors and helped enhance existing mutual security efforts. “Although there were limitations brought about by the pandemic, it is highly commendable that the exercise pushed through and generated a favorable outcome,” he said. (Mindanao Examiner)