The United States Army wants larger joint exercises with the Philippine Army, as it seeks to increase the number of soldiers who will join next year’s counter-terrorism exercises from 900 to 1,500.
Lt Col Ramon Zagala, Army spokesman, said Maj Gen John Johnson, the US Army Pacific Command deputy commanding general, made the proposal during his visit to the army headquarters at Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City on Tuesday.
Zagala said Johnson met with Lt Gen. Macairog Alberto, the Philippine Army chief, and proposed the holding of large scale that will focus on counter-terrorism for the Salaknib (shield) exercises for 2020.
Salaknib exercises are army-to-army drills between Manila and Washington conducted yearly since 2015 as part of the mutual defence treaty between the two nations.
For next year, Zagala said Johnson was proposing the deployment of more troops.
“It’s still a proposal; it’s a proposed concept and although both armies are committed to it, we are still waiting for the final plan. This is, however, for next year’s drills and planning is in process,” Zagala told reporters. According to Zagala, 900 US soldiers and 1,800 Filipino troops participated in this year’s Salaknib exercises. “This is all about making us more ready and whatever challenges the future might hold. We are committed to this region, the design of Salaknib 2020 exercise is purposeful in demonstrating that commitment,” Johnson said in a statement.
Major General John Johnson paid a courtesy call to the Philippine Army Commanding General Lt Gen Macairog S Alberto. The leaders discussed the future bilateral army-to-army exercises between the USAPAC and PA as well as the training of the PA’s First Brigade Combat Team.