AFP spokesman says Balikatan exercises to push through in May despite VFA abrogation

This year’s Balikatan exercises between troops of the Philippines and the United States will push through despite the abrogation of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), the spokesman of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said on Wednesday.

At a forum in Manila City, Brigadier General Edgard Arevalo said the Balikatan exercises would take place in May, noting that it is within the 180-day period that the VFA is still in effect.

“It will push through as scheduled. Ang gusto nating sabihin dito that is within the 180-period pa naman. Magpapatuloy ito as scheduled,” Arevalo said.

“Walang mababawas sa original na plano ng number of attendees unless sa last minute may magsasabi na magbabago,” he added.

According to Arevalo, a total of 10,875 contingents from the Philippines and other countries will participate in the military training.

Of that number, a total of 4,302 soldiers will come from the AFP; 6,529 are from the US forces; and 44 others will come from Australia, Arevalo said.

President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered the termination of the VFA following the cancellation of the US visa of his ally, Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa.

The AFP has been saying that the Philippine military will survive even without assistance from its US counterparts as it can get aid from other countries.

“May tulong tayo na naestablish sa ibang bansa... hindi po mahirap na mabigyan tayo ng tulong,” Arevalo said.

The military spokesman further underscored that the Philippines is not solely dependent on the US especially on matters involving territorial defense.

“I’d like to correct the impression that we are entirely dependent on the United States for territorial defense. Hindi po. Sa totoo lang, hindi po,” Arevalo said.

“Mutualism po ang ating relationship with other countries not symbiotic,” he added.

Arevalo reiterated that the Philippine military would be self-reliant in doing its duty of protecting the state and its interest. — MDM, GMA News