By David Santos
Solar News
Solar News
The annual Philippine-US Amphibious Landing Exercise, known otherwise as PHIBLEX, formally ended after three weeks of training and humanitarian-oriented activities.
The exercise aims to improve interoperability between Filipino and US Marines troops and increase their readiness to respond to disasters and other regional contingencies.
Brig. Gen. Paul Kennedy, Commanding General of the 3rd US Marine Expeditionary Brigade, said: “Phiblex has truly strengthened Philippine and US bilateral ties. It demonstrates our nations commitment to mutual security.”
Amid the backdrop of a gloomy American government situation partially paralyzed by a fiscal shutdown, Philippine officials say PHIBLEX went on smoothly, except that the US troops suddenly shunned media interviews.
Based on an order from the US Embassy, said an American officer, “we are not allowed to speak to the media due to the government shutdown.”
Maj Gen Romeo Tanalgo, Commandant of the Philippine Marine Corps, said: “This exercise has been going on for 60 years or so. These exercises have been planned way, way before the increased rotational presence was conceived.”
The Mutual Defense Board, comprised by defense officials from both countries, is set to meet in Hawaii next week to map out future joint military exercises.
Defense Undersecretary Edilberto Adan of the Visiting Forces Agreement Commission says the plans will focus on three points:
(1) Improve inter-operability in a wide range of combat and military operations
(2) Enhance bonds of friendship among officers of both forces
(3) Strengthen the commitment of alliance forged by the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT)
(1) Improve inter-operability in a wide range of combat and military operations
(2) Enhance bonds of friendship among officers of both forces
(3) Strengthen the commitment of alliance forged by the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT)
Despite the US budget crisis, the joint exercises will continue since the MDT is a standing agreement.
The 1992 closure of the US bases in the Philippines froze defense ties between the two allied countries for a number of years, but the MDT was never revoked.
Adan says that, even if the United States is still facing a budget crisis, the treaty will remain in effect and that the joint exercises will continue.
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