CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City – The Armed Forces of the Philippines and the United States Armed Forces successfully conducted counter-landing exercises at La Paz Sand Dunes in Laoag on May 6, 2024, as part of the Exercise Balikatan 39-2024.
Counter-landing live-fire operation is a military strategy that involves deploying defensive forces, such as infantry and artillery to deter hostile forces seeking to establish presence within the nation's borders.
The AFP utilized several high-powered military assets such as; ATMOS 155 mm self-propelled howitzer, a 105mm howitzer from the Army Artillery Regiment (AAR), PA, and two (2) Philippine Marine Corps 105mm howitzer.
Meanwhile, the US Armed Forces deployed two (2) US howitzers, 5.56 caliber rifles, medium and heavy machine guns, three (3) Javelin anti-tank missiles, and three (3) MAAWS (Multipurpose Anti-Armor Anti-Personnel Weapon System), demonstrating the joint force's capability to neutralize armored threats effectively.
The Philippine Army’s 502nd Infantry Brigade; the Philippine Marine Corps’ 4th Marine Brigade; U.S. Army 3-7 Field Artillery; and the U.S. Marine Corps’ 3rd Littoral Combat Team participated in the activity highlighting their proficiency in maritime defense tactics.
“Balikatan is designed to prepare us both to defend Philippine sovereignty. If anyone has any question about whether we’re ready, we answered that today. We’re ready. And we always will be.” said U.S. Marine Lt. Gen. Michael Cederholm, commanding general of I Marine Expeditionary Force.
Philippine Exercise Director Major General Marvin Licudine meanwhile recognized this critical component of the Balikatan Exercise to enhance interoperability and readiness in response in safeguarding stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
“The successful execution of this exercise underscores the strengthened cooperation between the Philippines and the United States in defending our shores. With every iteration, we continuously leverage the valuable insights and expertise gained to ensure regional security and stability,” MGen Licudine said.///
