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Joint drills with US boost PH defense, preserve foreign policy

Philippine News Agency

By Filane Mikee Cervantes
April 11, 2025, 4:00 pm

MANILA -- The expanded joint military exercises between the Philippines and the United States will strengthen the country's defense capabilities while preserving its independent foreign policy.

In a statement on Friday, Speaker Martin Romualdez lauded the joint efforts as a display of commitment to Indo-Pacific stability and "an investment in preparedness and mutual trust."

"Ang mga ganitong pagsasanay ay mahalaga para maging matatag ang kakayahan nating protektahan ang ating teritoryo at ang ating mga mamamayan sa pakikipagtulungan sa ating mga kaibigan. Gayunman, mahalagang tandaan na tayo pa rin ang may hawak ng ating kinabukasan bilang isang bansang nagsasarili (These types of exercises are important to strengthen our ability to defend our territory and people in cooperation with our allies. However, it is important to remember that we still hold our future as an independent nation)," he said.

Among the main components of this year's military drills is Marine Exercise (MAREX) 2025, which began March 30 and concluded Friday.

The exercise involved 179 US Marines, 189 Philippine Marine Corps troops, 57 Philippine Army soldiers, 11 Coast Guard officers, and 40 reservists.

The training focuses on maritime rapid response, counter-landing operations, and coastal defense.

"Sa ganitong paraan, matutugunan natin ang mga kritikal na aspeto ng depensa ng ating bansa lalo na sa ating mga baybayin (In this way, we can address critical aspects of our national defense, especially in our coastal areas)," he said.

Running concurrently is Exercise "Salaknib" led by the Philippine Army and the US Army Pacific from March 24 to Friday. The second phase is scheduled May 19 to July 20.

Salaknib, which means shield in Ilocano, covers communication systems, live-fire artillery, helicopter sling load operations and medical evacuations.

Romualdez clarified that the drills are not meant to provoke hostilities, but are designed to strengthen defense readiness and cooperation.

"Ang mga pagsasanay na ito ay hindi patungkol kaninuman. Ang tanging layunin nito ay ang pagpapalakas ng kasanayan ng ating mga tropa at pagpapahusay ng koordinasyon sa ating mga kaalyado para sa seguridad at kapayapaan (These exercises are not aimed at anyone. Their sole purpose is to strengthen our troops' capabilities and improve coordination with our allies for security and peace)," he said.

Humanitarian assistance, disaster response, and peacekeeping are also core parts of the training.

Both sets of exercises are conducted under the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty and are held with full respect for Philippine sovereignty.

House support for AFP modernization

Romualdez, meanwhile, reaffirmed the House of Representatives' support for the continuing modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), pledging adequate funding and oversight in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s national security agenda.

"Suportado namin ang layunin ni Pangulong Marcos na ma-isulong ang modernisasyon ng ating Sandatahang Lakas. Handa kaming maglaan ng karampatang pondo para dito at masusi naming babantayan ang paggamit para masigurong maayos ang implementasyon (We support President Marcos' goal to advance the modernization of our Armed Forces. We are ready to allocate the necessary funds and closely monitor their use to ensure proper implementation)," he said.

He said a strong national defense posture promotes stability, attracts investment and helps create jobs.

Romualdez called for national unity in protecting the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

"Patuloy tayong magkaisa sa pagtatangol sa interes ng ating bansang Pilipinas. Ang ating lakas ay hindi lamang nakasalalay sa pwersa ng ating Sandatahang Lakas kundi pati na rin sa ating pagkakaisa bilang mamamayan (Let us continue to stand united in defending the interests of our country. Our strength lies not only in our military forces but also in our unity as a people)," he said. (PNA)