MATAPOS na inanunsyo ng U.S Pentagon at ng Malacañang ang apat na bagong site na napiling lokasyon para sa Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) ng Pilipinas at Amerika ay inihayag na agad na pasisimulan ang pinakamalaking RP-US Balikatan war exercise na sasalihan ng mahigit 17,6000 sundalo ng dalawang magka-alyadong bansa.
Nabatid sa inilabas na pahayag kahapon U.S Embassy in Manila na pormal na pasisimulan ang Balikatan 2023 sa April 11 na tatagal hanggang April 28, 2023 ,
Ang biggest and largest Balikatan iteration ngayong taon na napag alamang tatampukan ng live fire exercises sa dagat at mga dalampasigan bukod sa mga regular na nakalatag na interoperability development, improved capability sa mga areas of maritime security, amphibious operations, live-fire training, urban and aviation operations, cyber defense, counterterrorism, at humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness.
Ang 38th Balikatan iteration ay sasalihan ng 5,400 Armed Forces of the Philippine personnel at 12,200 U.S. military personnel bukod pa sa mga dadalong foreign observers mula sa mga kaalyadong bansa.
Sinasabing mas malaking bilang ito kumpara sa 9,000 na sumali sa nakaraang Balikatan 2022’s joint exercise dahil patuloy umanong lumalaki ang lawak ng mga kinakailangan pagsasanay sa bawat taon.
This year’s iteration includes a bilateral command post exercise that will strengthen the Allies’ ability to plan, coordinate, and provide command and control of forces together against a range of scenarios and simulated challenges. This training event will also enable the AFP and the U.S. military to refine tactics, techniques, and procedures related to maritime security, and deconflict fires and maneuver in a shared and contested battlespace, ayon sa ibinahaging pahayag ng US Embassy.
Field training exercise events will take place across the Philippines to test the Allies’ capabilities in combined arms live-fire, information and intelligence sharing, communications between maneuver units, logistics operations, amphibious operations, and many other skill sets.
“The Balikatan Exercise enhances both the AFP and the United States Armed Forces’ tactics, techniques, and procedures across a wide range of military operations,” pahayag naman ni AFP Spokesperson Colonel Medel Aguilar. “It increases our ability to work together effectively and efficiently in response to various crisis situations.”
Ayon kay Lt. Col. Daniel Huvane, Balikatan Combined Joint Information Director. “Balikatan provides unparalleled opportunities to demonstrate the strength and readiness of the Philippine-U.S. security alliance,” “Engagements such as Balikatan are important investments in our ability to work together across the spectrum of military operations, respond to crises, support the people of the Philippines, and accomplish our shared missions.”
Naglabas din ng kanilang statement kahapon ang Pentagon na: The United States stands steadfastly in support of the Philippines as we announced plans today to expand the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) to include four new sites: Naval Base Camilo Osias in Santa Ana, Cagayan; Camp Melchor Dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela; Balabac Island in Palawan; and Lal-lo Airport in Cagayan. (VICTOR BALDEMOR RUIZ)
