Asia Pacific Defense Forum ::

Compiled by Asia-Pacific Defense FORUM from press releases by Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs, Armed Forces of the Philippines, U.S. Embassy Manila, and Exercise BALIKATAN Public Affairs reporters LCpl. Bryan A. Peterson, USMC; Sgt. 1st Class Christina Bhattis, USA; and Mr. Kevin Downey.

Exercise BALIKATAN, an annual Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and U.S. military exercise, is one of many activities under the Republic of the Philippines (RP)-U.S. military security cooperation framework. BALIKATAN means “shoulder to shoulder,” sharing the load together and characterizes the philosophy and intent of the exercise.

BALIKATAN 2007 focused largely on humanitarian and civic action activities in the Southern Philippines. A Staff Exercise also took place centered around maritime operations. Australia, Indonesia and Malaysia sent personnel to observe the approximately 1,200 AFP troops and 400 U.S. troops who participated in the exercise.

The February/March 2007 exercise supported the country’s humanitarian and civic assistance campaign through combined efforts in multiple medical, dental, veterinary and engineering civic action projects, and community relations activities.

Opening Ceremony
Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto G. Romulo opened BALIKATAN 2007 at Camp Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City by emphasizing that RP-U.S. relations are “definitely stronger than ever.” Secretary Romulo took note of how the partnership for peace and security, as well as progress and development, has taken on a “new dimension,” focusing on collaborative efforts on civic-humanitarian missions. He noted that with the emergence of “non-traditional security threats,” the RP-U.S. partnership “continues to be broad-based and multifaceted,” and, according to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, “elevated to a level of maturity, anchored on mutual recognition of sovereign equality and on mutual respect.”

Secretary Romulo also remarked that Christians and Muslims in the Philippines join together in welcoming the self-evident positive benefits of the exercises. Among the RP participants at the opening ceremonies were the Secretary of National Defense, Hermogenes Ebdane; the Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Defense and Security, Senator Rodolfo Biazon; the Chairman of the House Committee on National Defense and Security, Congressman Jose Solis; Lt. Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, AFP Chief of Staff; and Rear Adm. Amable B. Tolentino, BALIKATAN Co-Director. U.S. participants included U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Kristie A. Kenney and U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Stephen Tom, Deputy Commander of the U.S. Army, Pacific and Exercise Co-Director.

During the opening ceremony, Rear Adm. Tolentino noted the ceremony “affirms the 50 years our two nations have worked together.” Agreeing with Rear Adm. Tolentino, Ambassador Kenney said, “Our countries have worked shoulder to shoulder for many years ... and this humanitarian focus will help in the battle for peace and prosperity for this nation. This is a partnership which benefits both nations. Our two governments share one vision and one spirit for the future.”

Staff Exercise
The combined task force working the staff exercise (STAFFEX) focused on crisis action planning in a maritime security scenario. Working together, the two forces addressed real-world challenges such as terrorist transit routes, piracy, drug smuggling, and critical infrastructure protection. “The goal of the STAFFEX is to combine the knowledge of the two countries and create doctrine for maritime protection,” said Maj. Gen. Tom.

U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Steve Newell noted, “Maritime security protects a nation against direct physical attack as well as economic [attacks]. Tactics, techniques and procedures are just as important as the ability to buy equipment in this environment. We’re focusing on working together with the Philippine government to improve our knowledge and establish doctrines.”

“Through this exercise, we better understand each other,” said Philippine Navy Lt. Cmdr. Eric Ramos. “Everyone learns in this situation. The Philippine military learns new technologies and the U.S. military learns about the situation we have here.”

“In this type of exercise, you see that we share the same goals in the region and that makes it easier to reach the desired objective,” said Australian Army Lt. Col. Kane Mangin who observed the exercise.

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BALIKATAN 2007 focused largely on humanitarian and civic action activities in the Southern Philippines. A Staff Exercise also took place centered around maritime operations. Here, an Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Army medical specialist and a U.S. Navy officer provide dental care to a resident of Munai in Lanao del Norte province during a medical civic action program (MEDCAP).
Photo by PO2 Johansen Laurel, USN

Rear Adm. Amable B. Tolentino (right), AFP Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans and Programs, unfurls the Exercise BALIKATAN 2007 flag during opening ceremonies as Maj. Gen. Stephen Tom (left), U.S. Army, Pacific Deputy Commander, watches.
Photo by Capt. Fritz Craft, USPHS

Mayor Sakib A. Salajin of the town of Maluso speaks with U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Mastin Robeson (left), the Commanding General of 3rd Marine Division, and U.S. Marine Sgt. Maj. Robert Hollings.
Photo by PO1 Troy Latham, USN

Local residents sign up at a registration table during a MEDCAP in Lanao del Norte province.
Photo by PO2 Johansen Laurel, USN

A resident receives an eye exam from a U.S. Air Force officer during a MEDCAP in Magsaysay, Lanao del Norte province.
Photo by PO2 Johansen Laurel, USN