Philippines, US, Australia troops to hold amphibious drills in Zambales

The Philippines, United States and Australia are set to conduct an amphibious landing military exercise on Friday in a simulation of retaking an island in Zambales, a Philippine Marines official said.

“Yung pinaka-main event natin yun nga yung amphibious landing. Simulation sya ng island retaking, then ang landing force natin maganda tatlo, may Australian Defense Force, may US Marines at saka Philippine Marines,” Marines deputy commandant and Alon Exercise 2023 director Brigadier General JImmy Larida said.

(Our main event is the amphibious landing. This is a simulation of island retaking involving landing forces from the Australian Defense Force, US Marines, and Philippine Marines.)

The activity would also include a mock opposing force to make the simulation more realistic, according to Larida.

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Australia’s Defense Minister Richard Marles are expected to personally witness the drill, Larida said.

Considering that the venue is close to the West Philippine Sea (WPS), Larida clarified that the activity is not directed against China, saying the drill is “very general."

“Hindi sya designed in preparation to a particular enemy. Hindi sya designed yung exercise contract niya to prepare for Bajo de Masinloc, WPS issue, Scarborough Shoal issue,” he said.

(It is not designed in preparation to a particular enemy. It is not designed to prepare for Bajo de Masinloc, WPS, Scarborough Shoal issues.)

“Very general siya, equipping our Marines with the skills lang talaga sa amphibious operations and how to operate in a joint and combined environment 'yun lang,” he added.

(It is very general. It only aims to equip our Maines with the skills in amphibious operations and how to operate in a joint and combined environment.)

On August 14, the Philippines and Australia on Monday kicked off their first-ever joint amphibious training in Darwin, Australia.

The exercise targeted to further enhance the two countries’ interoperability and readiness to respond to shared security challenges.—LDF, GMA Integrated  News