US, Philippines conclude 37th Balikatan joint exercises

Troops from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and from the US military have completed the 37th Balikatan 2022 exercises on Friday.

In a statement, the AFP said almost 9,000 Filipino and US service members trained together from the northern coast of Luzon to Palawan over the last two weeks.

More than 50 aircraft, four ships, 10 amphibious craft, four High Mobility Artillery Rocket System launchers, and four Patriot missile systems were used during Balikatan this year. 

Around 40 personnel from the Australian Defense Force also participated in the exercises.

The exercises included maritime security, amphibious operations, live-fire training, urban operations, aviation operations, counterterrorism, and humanitarian assistance and disaster response.

In Tarlac, the troops performed combined arms live fire exercises through ground maneuver, artillery, mortars, and air elements aimed at enhancing joint and combined interoperability and partner capacity during a crisis.

In Cagayan, they executed amphibious exercises to improve their ability to conduct and develop interoperability in amphibious operations, the AFP said.

Participating soldiers also conducted humanitarian and civic assistance projects such as the renovation of four elementary schools, multiple community health engagements, and the exchange of advanced emergency rescue and lifesaving techniques.

At culmination of the exercises, a closing ceremony was conducted at the AFP General Headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, attended by AFP chief General Andres Centino, PHL Exercise Director Major General Charlton Sean Gaerlan, US Exercise Director Representative Brigadier General Joseph Clearfield, and Defense Undersecretary Cardozo Luna.

“This year’s Balikatan is a testament to the resiliency of the Philippines-United States alliance as we remain strong partners even after the various challenges we have encountered in the past two years,” Centino said.

Gaerlan said the Balikatan has improved security cooperation and existing mutual security efforts between the two countries.

“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.

US Embassy in the Philippines Chargé d’Affaires ad interim Heather Variava, guest of honor and speaker of the ceremony, pointed out the strength of the alliance between the two countries.

“After two years of a global pandemic, US 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 US-Philippine alliance and the shared priorities of our countries,” she said.

Clearfield, also the Marine Corps Forces Pacific Deputy Commander, said the completion of Balikatan 2022 is a clear example of both militaries’ 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,” Clearfield said. —LBG, GMA News