Only two of the military’s unified commands will participate in this year’s Balikatan or joint military exercises with American troops from May 8 to 19.
Down from four unified commands involved in the 2016 war games, Balikatan spokesperson for the Philippine side Maj. Frank Sayson said this was in line with scenario of this year’s exercises which involves a massive storm or typhoon coming from the Pacific which will then pass through Eastern Visayas going to the National Capital Region, reaching maximum strength upon arrival on the northern tip of Luzon, and leaving behind severe devastation.
With that, Sayson said all participating units, whether on staff exercise or command post exercise, will focus on responses to the particular scenario.
While these activities are more concerned with humanitarian assistance and disaster relief aspects, Sayson said some counter-terrorism activities are also in the pipeline.
“We will be having small arms military-to-military activities and some joint special operations activities which are really aligned with counterterrorism,” he said.
Other activities include underwater demolition activities in Ormoc, Leyte where American operatives will teach their Filipino counterparts techniques in clearing up bottom sea debris to allow ships to safely dock and use the port as well as to expedite the transport of relief supplies and aid to areas battered by typhoon and other calamities.
Participating US troops for this year’s Balikatan are placed at 2,600 personnel, with the Philippine side fielding in 2,800. At least 80 troops from the Australian Defense Forces will also join the war games.
The Filipino troops will come from the Cebu-based Central Command and Tarlac-headquartered Northern Luzon Command.