AFP chief: Joint drill with US troops helps build peace in region

MANILA, PHILIPPINES and American soldiers end their two-week military exercises in the Philippines Philippine and United States military troops ended their two-week joint exercises on Friday, April 23, that highlighted what an American diplomat described as the "strength and resolve" of the military alliance. “Balikatan showcases the strength and resolve of the Philippine-US alliance,” US embassy chargé d’affaires John Law said during the closing ceremony of the 36th Balikatan Exercise in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City. Armed Forces chief of staff General Cirilito Sobejana agreed, saying: “The successful conduct of this year’s Balikatan Exercise 36-2021 has definitely brought us a step closer towards our goal of capacitating our forces, and as such, will consequently contribute to the peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific Region." This year's exercises happened against the backdrop of China's incursions into the West Philippine Sea and amid a pandemic. They are meant to improve the capability of both militaries to respond to crises. "But training is never over," Law said. "We will continue to advance our military-to-military partnership in pursuit of our shared commitment to mutual defense in a free and open Indo-Pacific." This is the fourth time the exercises were held since President Rodrigo Duterte became commander-in-chief in 2016. Last year's was canceled due to the pandemic. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana gave assurances that the Philippines will keep its alliance with the superpower through the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT). “I am likewise grateful for your constant and continued assurance of the ironclad commitment to our Mutual Defense Treaty,” said Lorenzana. RAPPLER