SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin Romualdez welcomed the latest round of military drills involving Filipino and American troops, saying the exercises would bolster the Philippines’ defense capabilities in cooperation with a long-standing ally without compromising the nation’s independent foreign policy.
“Trainings like these are crucial to strengthening our ability to protect our territory and citizens in cooperation with our friends,” Romualdez said in Filipino.
“Nevertheless, it is important to remember that we still hold our future as a sovereign nation,”he added.
A key component of the joint military drills is the Marine Exercise (MAREX) 2025, which began on March 30 and will officially end Friday, April 11.
Organized by the Philippine and US Marine Corps, MAREX 2025 involves 179 US Marines, 189 Philippine Marine Corps personnel, 57 Philippine Army soldiers, 11 Coast Guard officers, and 40 reservists. This training focuses on maritime rapid response, counter-landing operations, and coastal defense.
Romualdez commended the collaboration for showcasing both forces’ commitment to maintaining security in the Indo-Pacific region, calling it “an investment in preparedness and mutual trust.”
Concurrently, “Salaknib”—an Ilocano term for shield—is taking place under the auspices of the Philippine Army (PA) and the US Army Pacific (USARPAC). Phase 1 of Salaknib was held March 24 to April 11, with Phase 2 slated for May 19 to July 20.
The Salaknib joint exercises involves communication systems, field artillery live fire, sling load helicopter operations, and medical evacuations.
Romualdez emphasized that the MAREX 2025 and Salaknib joint exercises were designed to deepen defense readiness and cooperation, and not meant to provoke hostilities.
“These exercises do not target anyone in particular. Its sole purpose is to strengthen the skills of our troops and improve coordination with our allies for security and peace,”Romualdez explained.
He noted that humanitarian assistance, disaster response, and peacekeeping skills are also central to both drills.
The bilateral military exercises proceed under the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty—an agreement that has long anchored Philippine-US defense cooperation—while maintaining respect for Philippine sovereignty.
Meanwhile, Romualdez reiterated the commitment of the House to allocate sufficient funding and clear guidelines for the country’s defense modernization, aligned with the strategic security vision of President Marcos.
He expressed belief that a strong national defense posture also helps create an environment of stability that can attract investments and spur the country’s economic growth, which would generate more jobs for our people and help lift them out of poverty.
Romualdez renewed his call for all Filipinos to remain united in upholding the country’s sovereignty and defending its territorial integrity.
“Let’s continue to be united in defending the interests of our country, the Philippines. Our strength lies not only in the strength of our Armed Forces but also in our unity as a people,” he said.