MANILA, Philippines – The Balikatan joint exercises between the Philippine and US military forces will push through next month despite the latter’s role in relief efforts in quake-hit Japan, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said yesterday.
“We would like to inform everyone that even if there is a series of disasters in Japan right now, the Balikatan will push through,” AFP spokesman Brig. Gen. Jose Mabanta Jr. said in a press briefing.
“At this point, we see no reason why it will not push through,” he added.
In a text message, US press attaché Rebecca Thompson quoted US Ambassador Harry Thomas Jr. as saying that the Balikatan is “still on track for April 5 to 15.”
“US Army Japan, US Army Pacific and the US Pacific Command are fully engaged to assist and help when necessary and requested by the government of Japan,” Thompson said.
Mabanta said the upcoming Balikatan exercise is relevant since it will also involve search and rescue drills.
Maj. Enrico Ileto, AFP spokesman for Balikatan, said they have not received any advisory from the US on whether there would be changes in the number of US soldiers joining the exercises.