Philippine Army troops on April 23 hold air assault drills with their counterparts from the US Army, US Marine Corps and the Australian Defense Force at the Paredes Air Station in Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)
LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte — Air assault operations were held in Ilocos Norte province among Philippine Army soldiers and their counterparts from the United States Army and Marine Corps. and the Australian Defense Force as part of the largest iteration of the ongoing ‘Balikatan’ exercises in the country.
Army spokesperson Colonel Xerxes Trinidad said in a statement on Wednesday, April 26, that the exercises were held at the Paredes Air Station in Barangay 32 Sapat in Pasuquin town on April 23.
At least 81 troops from the 99th Infantry Battalion, 7th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, US Army, and Royal Australian Army participated in the air assault exercises at the airfield.
Participating troops also held defensive operations during the exercise, according to Trinidad.
On April 22, a joint static display and capability demonstration were also conducted at the headquarters of the 4th Marine Brigade at Camp Cape Bojeador in nearby Burgos town.
The activity aimed to showcase the capabilities of the Philippine Marine Corps and the contingent of the US Marine Corps.
Visitors were given the opportunity to learn about the history and purpose of the military and provide a better understanding of the joint exercises between the Philippines and the United States, according to a statement of the 4th Marine Brigade.
Major Balikatan events, including the Combined Joint Littoral Live Fire Exercise, were previously lined up in Ilocos Norte but had been moved to Zambales province. INQ
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