Philippines, US launch joint exercises

Manila: Philippines and the US on Thursday launched the joint Philippine Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX) 16 in Taguig city.

The training exercises will be conducted in Ternate, Cavite, Crow Valley, Tarlac and San Antonio, Xinhua news agency reported.

According to sources, these exercises will aim to advance the Philippines and US' military ties and improve the inter-operability capability of the Filipino troops together with their American counterparts.

"Another goal of this bilateral exercise is also to enhance the readiness of our troops when it comes to humanitarian assistance and disaster response especially during calamities," the Philippine military said.

"And with the formation of an amphibious marine brigade, this exercise will further enhance the capabilities of our troops in amphibious operations and develop the amphibious component of the national manoeuvre force," it added.

The opening ceremony was attended by the Naval Inspector General, Alexander F Balutan.

The commander of the Philippine Marine Ready Force, Nathaniel Y Casem together with the commanding general of the 3rd expeditionary brigade, Paul J Kennedy was also in attendance.