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American and Filipino troops participate in an Amphibious landing exercise simulating a beach assault during the Annual Balikatan held at San Antonio, Zambales.
Philstar.com / Efigenio Toledo IV, File
MANILA, Philippines — The Armed Forces of the Philippines and the United States military will conduct the most expansive Balikatan Exercise across the country from April 20 to May 8.
Coinciding with the 75th anniversary of the United States-Philippine Mutual Defense Treaty, more than 17,000 personnel from the Philippines, US Australia, Japan, Canada, France and New Zealand will train shoulder-to-shoulder, and an additional 17 nations will participate as part of the international observer program in the 41st iteration of Exercise Balikatan.
“Balikatan is the embodiment of our nation’s commitment to a strong and credible defense posture,” said Philippine Army Maj. Gen. Francisco Lorenzo Jr., Armed Forces of the Philippines Education and Training Command commander.
“Our alliance with the Philippines has been a cornerstone of peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific for 75 years,” said US Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Christian Wortman, I Marine Expeditionary Force Commanding General.
In the run-up to this year’s Balikatan, the Philippine Army’s Artillery Regiment and the United States Army Pacific 25th Infantry Division utilized M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) in a live fire exercise as part of Exercise SALAKNIB 2026 in Canantong, Laur, Nueva Ecija yesterday.
Army spokesman Col. Louie Dema-ala said the HIMARS is a long-range and multiple-launch rocket system mounted on a five-ton truck.
AFP: Asean unity needed
AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. has called for unity among Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member countries amid what he describes as evolving maritime security challenges in the region.
Speaking at Maritime Security Symposium 2026 last week, he emphasized the importance of ASEAN unity in addressing such challenges in the maritime domain.
Meanwhile, the Department of National Defense welcomed yesterday Australia’s plans to boost its efforts toward promoting regional stability through its 2026 National Defence Strategy.
Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. welcomed Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles’ announcement that Australia “is to establish a defence force which is completely focused on the challenges of the Indo-Pacific.”
Cyanide use
The Department of Foreign Affairs warned yesterday against the use of cyanide and other similar toxic agents in the marine environment, calling it “irresponsible,” “unacceptable” and in violation of the 1982 UNCLOS.
The DFA made the statement following the announcement of National Security Council Assistant Director General and spokesman Cornelio Valencia regarding the illegal discharge and use of cyanide in Ayungin Shoal by Chinese fisherfolk.
