Phl, US launch most far-reaching joint military drills

The most expansive Balikatan exercise ever began yesterday, covering almost the entire length of the country and reaching the edges of its exclusive economic zone and beyond its 12-nautical-mile territorial sea.

- PIA LEE-BRAGO

The 39th iteration of the joint exercise, originally conducted only by the armed forces of the Philippines and the US, now involves the militaries and naval forces of Australia and France.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., US embassy Chargé d'Affaires Robert Ewing, and US Marine Corps Forces-Pacific Commander Lt. Gen. William Jurney attended the opening ceremony.

Ewing said Balikatan represents "more than just a showcase of military readiness." "It embodies the deep-rooted spirit of collaboration and partnership that has defined the enduring alliance between the United States and the Philippines for decades," Ewing said.

"This exercise, and the many other smaller military engagements, are central to achieving our shared commitment to greater interoperability between our respective armed forces," he added.

Organizers said Balikatan 2024 focuses on bolstering collaboration and readiness across a broad spectrum of critical areas, including external defense operations, cyber defense, counterterrorism, humanitarian assistance and disaster response, and inter-agency capacity-building.

"It is not a partnership of convenience but rather a clear reflection of our shared history, unwavering commitment to democracy, and respect for international law in our pursuit of peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region. It stands as evidence of our continuous effort to enhance the cooperation, dedication, and mutual intentions that strengthen the interoperability of our forces," Brawner stated.