US envoy Carlson lauds success of Balikatan 2024

US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson lauded the success of Balikatan 2024, the Philippine-US joint military exercise, emphasizing the importance of the alliance between the two countries.

“As we have heard both [President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.] and [President Joe Biden] say, security and economic prosperity are inextricably linked - nowhere is that more apparent than in the vitally important Indo-Pacific region,” said Carlson during the closing ceremony of the three-week Balikatan Exercises on Friday. 

“Exercise Balikatan stands as proof of our collective commitment to enhancing interoperability in support of long-term prosperity not only for participant nations but for the world,” she added. 

The Balikatan Exercises, which began on April 22, had around 12,000 participants this year including contingents from Australia and France. 

Carlson said that she was “proud of numerous images showcasing Balikatan participants engaging in a wide range of knowledge and expertise sharing exercises from tactical operations to strategic maneuvers.” 

Among the highlights of the exercise was its first-ever multilateral maritime drill in the West Philippine Sea by servicemen from the Philippines, US, and France. 

Participants also joined in maritime strikes and live fire exercises in Ilocos Norte. 

The US envoy also commended the camaraderie among troops in sharing meals and even playing basketball. 

“These moments of camaraderie and goodwill extend far beyond military activities,” said Carlson. “They demonstrate for all to see the strong, meaningful people-to-people ties that form the basis of our steadfast friendship and undergird our longstanding, ironclad alliance.” 

Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said that next year’s Balikatan would simulate a full battle by incorporating realistic scenarios. — DVM, GMA Integrated News