MANILA, Philippines — The scenarios for this year's joint military exercises between Filipino and American troops will be based on mutual defense and counterterrorism. The Armed Forces of the Philippines and the United States Armed Forces have officially opened the annual Balikatan Exercises on Monday, which will run until May 18. Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Salamat, Philippines exercise director, noted that the annual joint military training manifests the longstanding relationship between Filipino and American forces. Nicholson added that the joint exercises reaffirms the two countries' commitment to their 70-year alliance. The Australian Defense Force and Japan Self-Defense Force will also be joining Balikatan as observers.

Source: Philippine Star May 07, 2018 07:30 UTC