39th edition of ‘Balikatan’ exercises between PH, U.S. began
39th edition of ‘Balikatan’ exercises between PH, U.S. began
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00:00 The joint US and Philippine military exercises/simulated war games that has been on for nearly 40 years
00:08 officially kicked off today with 11,000 US soldiers and 5,000 local military personnel
00:15 to include over a 170 police supplemental force in participation.
00:21 This year, the Philippine Coast Guard will finally join the US and French navies with
00:27 its fleet of six ships for a group sail plus take on cyberspace.
00:32 Warfare in this year's exercises as our Patrick De Jesus tells us in this report.
00:39 I officially declare the Philippines United States exercise Balikatan 39-2024 open effective
00:50 today.
00:56 The 39th edition of Balikatan or shoulder-to-shoulder exercises between the Philippines and US officially
01:04 kicked off today.
01:05 This is considerably one of the largest Balikatan exercise in history wherein more than 11,000
01:11 American soldiers and 5,000 Filipino troops will take part.
01:17 Contingents from France and Australia will also have direct participation in some of
01:22 the activities while the other 14 countries will serve as observers.
01:28 The Balikatan 2024 that focuses on territorial defense will be conducted until May 10 with
01:35 activities in Ilocos, Zambales, and Batanes in Northern Luzon, partly in Palawan, and
01:42 up to the extent of the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone for the first time.
01:48 The AFP says close to four decades of Balikatan continue to show the warm relationship between
01:54 the Philippines and America in partnership with other allied countries.
01:59 It is not a partnership of convenience but rather a clear reflection of our shared history,
02:10 unwavering commitment to democracy, and respect for international law in our pursuit of peace
02:18 and security in the Indo-Pacific region.
02:22 We're going to show the people of the Philippines and the world that we've gotten better and
02:28 we're never going to stop doing so.
02:30 A day before the opening of Balikatan, two Chinese maritime militia vessels were spotted
02:37 just 30 nautical miles away from Palawan, based on the AIS monitoring of maritime security
02:43 expert Ray Powell.
02:45 The AFP has no confirmation on this but anticipates the presence of Chinese ships moving forward.
02:53 As multilateral maritime exercise in the West Philippine Sea will be conducted with French
02:59 Navy joining the sail, the AFP has affirmed they will not be affected by any show of aggression
03:06 by unfriendly forces.
03:08 Surely, I would say that we would expect some presence of the Chinese side also because
03:15 they have built their structures in these areas.
03:17 We wouldn't see any problem so long as we follow international law and follow our agreed,
03:24 mutually agreed cooperative mechanisms.
03:28 First time also in Balikatan history, the Philippine Coast Guard will take part in the
03:33 group sail with six of their ships joining.
03:36 We will do what we need to do and we will make sure that no one will be disturbed or
03:45 be affected by the exercises.
03:48 Not just in land, but also in the sea.
03:55 One will also be in the side through an information warfare exercise as part of this year's set
04:01 of rigid drills.
04:02 Patrick de Azuz, from The National TV, for a new and better Philippines.