CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the United States military are officially underway with Exercise Balikatan 2024, as the annual bilateral exercise kicked off today, April 22, here.
The opening ceremony was distinguished by the presence of United States (US) Embassy Chargé d’ Affaires a.i. Robert Ewing as the Guest of Honor and Speaker representing the US Ambassador to the Philippines, Her Excellency Marykay Loss Carlson, alongside AFP Chief of Staff, General Romeo S Brawner Jr.
With over 16,000 service members participating across Luzon from today until May 10th, Balikatan 2024 is designed to address the ever-evolving security landscape in the region and is poised to be the most complex and comprehensive iteration to date.
“Balikatan represent more than just a shared military readiness, it embodies the deep spirit of collaboration and partnership that has defined the enduring alliance between the United States and the Philippines for decades,” said Embassy Chargé d’ Affaires a.i. Ewing.
Balikatan 2024 focuses on bolstering collaboration and readiness across a broad spectrum of critical areas, including external defense operations, cyber defense, counter-terrorism, humanitarian assistance and disaster response, and inter-agency capacity-building.
“It is not a partnership of convenience but rather a clear reflection of our shared history, unwavering commitment to democracy, and respect for international law in our pursuit of peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region. It stands as evidence of our continuous effort to enhance the cooperation, dedication, and mutual intentions that strengthen the interoperability of our forces,” General Brawner stated.
In its essence, "Balikatan" encapsulates the spirit of unity and shared responsibility, epitomizing the enduring partnership between the Philippines and the United States.///
(Photo by: PAOAFP)
