AFP chief open to much bigger Balikatan 2024 | Inquirer News

AFP chief open to much bigger Balikatan 2024

/ 05:57 PM April 28, 2023

‘ALLIANCE IS ALIVE’ President Marcos, seen here alighting a truck equipped with US High-Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, is the first Philippine leader in 12 years to attend the annual “Balikatan” exercises between the United States and the Philippines, in San Antonio, Zambales, on Wednesday. —GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE

MANILA, Philippines — Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Andres Centino is open for much bigger bilateral war games between the United States and the Philippines next year.

Centino, when asked if next year’s Balikatan will see a similar or more number of troops, told reporters in a chance interview in Camp Aguinaldo: “Kung nakita natin there is a need, talagang dagdagan natin.”

Article continues after this advertisement

(If we see that there is a need, we will add more.)

FEATURED STORIES

“Of course, it would be better na magkaroon tayo ng chance to train with other armies also, mga friends and allies natin,” he added.

(Of course, it would be better to have a chance to train with other armies and our friends and allies.)

Article continues after this advertisement

The 38th iteration of Balikatan saw the biggest number of troops in its history with 17,600.

Article continues after this advertisement

READ: AFP: US-PH to hold ‘largest-ever’ war games with 17,600 troops

This year’s Balikatan exercises, which began on April 11, ended on Friday, April 28.

“Balikatan” is a Tagalog term which means “shoulder-to-shoulder” or “sharing the load together”.

RELATED STORY:

A surprise ‘guest’ buzzed over Zambales during Balikatan drill— official

JMS
Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

TAGS: Balikatan, Philippines, United States

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.