By FRANCIS T. WAKEFIELD
The Government has invited the US military forces to train with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for the 34th iteration of Balikatan (BK), an annual exercise that focuses on mutual defense, counter-terrorism, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief.
To be held from May 7 to 18 across multiple locations in Luzon, BK 2018 will focus on interoperability training events designed to enhance the capabilities of both the US and Philippine armed forces in dealing with events that endanger public health and safety.
Consistent with the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) and the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), this year’s BK will have US forces and the AFP working together with other regional partners including Australia, and Japan in all of the major training events.
Note the AFP has also invited the United Kingdom as observer particularly on post-disaster management training.
The US and the Philippines will also conduct humanitarian civic action activities throughout Luzon for this year’s BK.
On Thursday, US and Filipino forces started renovation work on some schools including organizing medical engagements as part of the lead up to the opening day of BK 2018.