By Junex Doronio
MANILA — For the first time, Balikatan — the annual joint military exercise of the Philippines and the United States — will have activities outside the territorial waters of the country featuring units of the Philippine Navy, US Navy, French Navy, and the Philippine Coast Guard.
Balikatan’s executive agent Colonel Michael Logico on Wednesday (20 March 2024) disclosed that these activities will be conducted beyond 12 nautical miles or 22.22 kilometers off the west coast of Palawan.
“We will be utilizing the western side of Palawan, extending beyond our 12 nautical miles so this is also a new thing. We have done group sails before but this time we will be going beyond our 12 nautical mile limitation,” Logico said in a press conference.
He stressed that the area beyond 12 nautical miles is already considered international waters.
Logico said this year’s Balikatan is set to be conducted around April and May.
It will involve 16,000 troops including around 11,000 US and 5,000 Philippine personnel.
Around 14 countries will also participate as observers.
“The message we want to send is that we are serious about defending our territory and we have allies. That’s it and the alliance is still going strong,” Logico quipped.
(el Amigo/MNM)
