March 28, 2022
1 min read

Philippines, US begin massive joint military drills

As the largest iteration of the Philippines-US joint drills since 2015, Balikatan 2022 will be conducted across the main Luzon island until April 8….reports Asian Lite News

The Philippines and the US on Monday began their large-scale annual joint military drills in the Southeast Asian country.

The participants in the exercise, codenamed Balikatan 2022, include 3,800 Filipino and 5,100 US military personnel, as well as observers from various armed forces in the region, reports Xinhua news agency.

As the largest iteration of the Philippines-US joint drills since 2015, Balikatan 2022 will be conducted across the main Luzon island until April 8.

According to the military, the drills will focus on “maritime security, amphibious operations, live-fire training, urban operations, aviation operations, counterterrorism, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief”.

It also includes a command post exercise that tests both forces’ ability to plan, command and communicate in a simulated environment.

Balikatan, a Tagalog phrase for “shoulder-to-shoulder”. is the most comprehensive among several regular Philippines-US joint military exercises.

The Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) gives US troops a legal basis to be in the Southeast Asian country for bilateral exercises, and governs the conduct of American armed force personnel.

However, some Philippine politicians have expressed their concerns that the large-scale military exercise might threaten regional security.

Presidential candidate and labor leader Ka Leody de Guzman said he is “uncomfortable” with the Balikatan military training exercise, calling it “provocative”.

He said the Philippines should pursue an independent foreign policy, stressing that the country should not be a “pawn”.

ALSO READ: President Biden, India is not shaky, your base is

Previous Story

White House spokeswoman tests Covid positive

Next Story

Blinken to test for Covid as Bennett tests positive

Latest from -Top News

Europe Seeks Peace in Gaza

European countries condemn Israeli interception of Gaza-bound flotilla, demand safety of citizens…reports Asian Lite News Israel’s interception of an international flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza has sparked condemnation across Europe, with

GAZA: Egypt to Host Peace Talks

Egypt hopes the discussions will help “end the war and the suffering of the brotherly Palestinian people, which has continued for two consecutive years…reports Asian Lite News Egypt will host Israeli and

‘My Injuries Made Me’

During his four-year battle with injury, the incumbent fast bowling spearhead made occasional appearances but couldn’t bear the workload and demands of red-ball cricket….reports Asian Lite News England tearaway Jofra Archer believes

Hegseth Cuts Deep

US Defense Secretary Hegseth abruptly fired Navy Chief Jon Harrison in a major Pentagon shake-up….reports Asian Lite News US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth abruptly dismissed Jon Harrison, the Navy Chief of Staff,

Japan Set for First Female PM

Takaichi, 64, defeated Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi in a closely contested runoff vote, succeeding Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba as party leader….reports Asian Lite News Former Internal Affairs Minister Sanae Takaichi has won
Go toTop

Don't Miss

NY Attorney General to sue Trump

James is also considering suing at least one of Trump’s

Do not travel: US travel advisory for UAE

The UAE on Monday announced 2,040 new coronavirus cases, bringing