Nearly 11,000 Filipino and American soldiers will train together in the country in May in what could be the last iteration of the Balikatan exercises with the impending termination of the Visiting Forces of Agreement.
Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo, spokesperson of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, said the annual military drills will “push through as scheduled” since it is within the 180-day negotiation period of the VFA abrogation. The termination of the military pact is seen to take effect on Aug. 11.
“Walang mababawas sa original na nakaplano in terms of the number of attendees until and unless sa last minute ay may magsasabi na may mababago,” he said during the Kapihan sa Manila Bay yesterday.
This year’s Balikatan exercises will gather more than 4,300 Filipino and 6,500 American troops. Around 50 Australian troopers are also expected to participate.
Arevalo said that as early as April, there will be advanced contingents that will arrive from the United States and Australia to prepare the equipment, supplies, and medical requirements of the participating foreign troops.
While the military spokesman offered limited explanation on the impact of the VFA termination on the relations between the Philippines and US, he said that it is beneficial to both countries as it enables the conduct of large-scale excercises to improve the sharing of expertise and cooperation among the troops. (Martin Sadongdong)