SOME 5,100 U.S. military personnel will train shoulder-to-shoulder with around 3,800 members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) focusing on maritime security, amphibious operations, live-fire training, urban operations, aviation operations, counterterrorism, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

Dubbed as “Balikatan 2022,” the joint military exercise is touted to be the largest-ever iteration of the annual joint military exercise taking place in Luzon from March 28 to April 8.

“Balikatan is a critical opportunity to work shoulder-to-shoulder with our Philippine allies toward a ‘free and open Indo-Pacific that is more connected, prosperous, secure, and resilient,’ as our Indo-Pacific Strategy calls for.  The U.S. is proud to continue our participation in this long-standing exercise,” said U.S. Embassy in the Philippines Chargé d’Affaires ad interim Heather Variava. 

“During Balikatan, the U.S. military and AFP will train together to expand and advance shared tactics, techniques, and procedures that strengthen our response capabilities and readiness for real-world challenges,” said Maj. Gen. Jay Bargeron, 3rd Marine Division Commanding General.  “The friendship and trust between our forces will enable us to accomplish any mission across the spectrum of military operations.” 

The exercise also includes a command post exercise that tests the AFP and U.S. forces’ ability to plan, command, and communicate with each other in a simulated environment.  This training will bolster the collective security and defensive capabilities of the alliance. 

“Exercise Balikatan is a testament to the strength of the Philippines and United States’ security relationship,” said Maj. Gen. Charlton Sean Gaerlan, AFP Exercise Director for Balikatan 22.  “The experience gained in the exercise complements our security cooperation endeavors and will help to enhance existing mutual security efforts.” 

The AFP and U.S. military will also conduct multiple humanitarian and civic assistance projects during this year’s Balikatan, including the renovation of four elementary schools, multiple community health engagements, and the exchange of advanced emergency rescue and lifesaving techniques. 

These construction projects, health engagements and community relations events improve local infrastructure, facilitate the exchange of lifesaving medical skills, and strengthen ties between Philippine communities and Philippine and American military forces. 

COVID-19 mitigation remains a priority for both nations. U.S. forces will comply with all Philippine government COVID-19 travel regulations and will maintain social distancing and wear face masks during exercises as operationally feasible. 

“Balikatan” is a Tagalog term that means “shoulder-to-shoulder” or “sharing the load together,” which characterizes the spirit of the exercise and represents the alliance between the Philippines and the United States. 

“Balikatan 22 coincides with the 75th anniversary of U.S.-Philippine security cooperation and a shared commitment to promoting peace,” said Maj. Gen. Bargeron.  “Our alliance remains a key source of strength and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.” 

Exercises like Balikatan strengthen international partnerships and the participating militaries’ abilities to rapidly respond to crises throughout the Indo-Pacific region.  The United States is proud to participate in this Philippine-led exercise to improve both nations’ capabilities across a wide range of military operations. 

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Of this number, 45 are in the capital Kyiv, 55 are near the Hungarian border, and the others are spread across Ukraine. At least 87 seafarers are also onboard ships docked near the country.

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Sarah Lou Arriola said many Filipinos are still hesitant to go home, some of whom refused to separate from their Ukrainian family while some opted to stay with their employers.

But she said the Philippines would continue monitoring them to ensure their safety and extend aid, including evacuation support, when requested.
“We’re monitoring because we want to know how they are. The situation is fluid so we don’t know if okay ngayon baka bukas magputukan na sa kanila (if by tomorrow there would be shelling in their locations),” she said in a DZMM interview.

Since Russia launched a massive military assault against Ukraine on February 24, around 40 Filipinos have safely crossed the Polish border. At least 27 Filipinos have also sought refuge in Moldova, nine in Austria and four in Romania.

The DFA said 21 of the 27 in Moldova are all crewmembers of the MV S-Breeze, who were extracted by Philippine Honorary Consul Victor Gaina from February 27 to March 1.

Gaina brought a bus to Odessa to evacuate the Filipino seafarers in Chornomosk last Sunday but only eight joined him back to the Moldovan capital Chisinau.

The 13 seafarers, including the master, chose to stay fearing liability and legal action from the shipowner for abandonment of the vessel but eventually decided to get repatriated the following day.

The DFA said Gaina had to scramble for transportation as there was reported heavier fighting in the area and no transport wanted to risk.
“Last night, at around 2300H (Philippine standard time), Honorary Consul Gaina reported the successful extraction of the remaining 13 Filipino seafarers,” it said.

The M/V S-Breeze, a bulk carrier, has been on drydock for repairs at the Ilyichevsk Ship Yard in Port of Odessa, Ukraine since January 27, 2022.
The Philippine Embassy in Budapest and the Philippine Consulate in Chisinau will make arrangements to repatriate them the soonest, added the DFA.

Meanwhile, 10 more are expected to evacuate from Lviv to Poland.
As of March 2, a total of 19 Filipinos have been repatriated from Ukraine, 13 of whom arrived last night from Poland via an Emirates Airlines flight.
Meanwhile, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) assured assistance to the 13 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who arrived from Ukraine.

“We shall provide financial and livelihood assistance to returned OFWs. Welcome home, compatriots,” OWWA chief Hans Leo Cacdac said in a Twitter post.

Earlier, Cacdac said among the forms of assistance to be provided is a livelihood package for the workers to start a small business in the country.
“The DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs)-DOLE (Department of Labor and Employment)-OWWA assisted the arrival of 13 returned Filipinos from Ukraine last night. Sec. (Silvestre) Bello and Team DOLE-OWWA support the effort of SFA (Secretary of Foreign Affairs) @teddyboylocsin and Team @DFAPHL,” he added. (PNA)

USAID Philippines Acting Deputy Mission Director Jeff Goebel joined Acting Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Emmanuel Rey Caintic and representatives from the private sector and civil society to discuss ways to make the internet more accessible for all Filipinos.

“USAID is working toward a future where digital technology promotes inclusive growth, fosters resilient and democratic societies, and empowers all, including the most vulnerable,” said Acting Deputy Mission Director Goebel. “Closing the digital divide requires global cooperation, leadership, and innovation in finance and technology. This is a need that is even more crucial today as we continue to face the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

While the cost of one gigabyte (1GB) of mobile data in the Philippines has become more affordable over the past five years, 1GB mobile broadband remains unaffordable for about 40 percent of the population. Only about half of the country’s population use the internet due to high prices of data services and devices, and limited network coverage in the countryside.

“Our main challenge is the coverage of quality and affordable internet services, especially in remote locations. With wider coverage, Filipinos will be able to access information and participate in rebuilding the Philippine economy,” said DICT Acting Secretary Caintic in his keynote message.

Participants noted that promoting infrastructure sharing, improving national data collection efforts, and encouraging interconnection and peering, among others, could help address these challenges.

Technologies and strategies to maximize bandwidth and optimize energy consumption are key to keeping costs low. Strategic partnerships with government agencies such as the Department of Education and civil society organizations to bring education programs to remote areas can also help bridge the digital divide.

Through its Better Connectivity and Access (BEACON) project, USAID helps improve the Philippines’ ICT and logistics infrastructure; strengthen the regulatory, business, and innovation environment; and bolster cybersecurity. To help bridge the digital divide, USAID also assists the government in automation and digitization efforts, and supports community networks to expand low-cost internet access for underserved communities.

MANILA – The Philippines will fully exercise its sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea, Malacañang reiterated on Friday.

Cabinet Secretary and acting presidential spokesperson Karlo Nograles made the statement in reaction to China’s demand for the Philippine government to “honor its commitment” and remove the grounded BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal.

The Chinese Coast Guard blocked and fired water cannons at two Philippine boats transporting supplies to military personnel of the BRP Sierra Madre at the Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal on November 16.

The move drew international criticisms and from President Rodrigo Duterte himself, who said the incident “does not speak well of relations” between Manila and Beijing.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana called it “an affront to the Filipino people”.

Nograles said the Ayungin Shoal lies within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

“Paulit-ulit namang binabalikan lagi ni Pangulong Duterte sa mga summit, pati na rin sa pagsasalita niya sa United Nations. Binabalikan natin lagi ‘yung UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea) at ‘yung arbitral award. Doon po, napakaliwanag po na kabilang po iyan (Ayungin) sa ating EEZ. Kabilang po iyan sa ating teritoryo (President Duterte has repeatedly reiterated this in various summits, as well as in his speech before the United Nations. We refer to the UNCLOS and arbitral award that Ayungin is within our EEZ. It is part of our territory) and we will fully exercise our sovereign rights over our territory,” Nograles said in a Palace press briefing.

Lorenzana had refuted anew China’s claims in the Ayungin Shoal, describing the Chinese as the actual trespassers.

“As far as I know there is no such commitment. That ship has been there since 1999. If there was (a) commitment it would have been removed a long time ago,” Lorenzana said.

The defense chief reiterated that Manila has two documents to prove that it has sovereign rights in this EEZ while Beijing has none.

“[S]ila ay wala (nito) at ‘yung claim nila ay walang basehan (They don’t have this and their claim doesn’t have a basis,” he said.

I have told the Chinese Ambassador (Huang Xilian) that no one can prevent us from doing what we have to lawfully do within the West Philippine Sea, an area where we have sovereign rights by international laws,” Lorenzana added in a statement.

The 2016 Arbitration Award rendered under UNCLOS had ruled that the Ayungin Shoal lies within the Philippines’ 200-nautical-mile EEZ and continental shelf, a decision recognized by the international community, including the United States, Japan, Australia, France, Germany, Canada, New Zealand, and the European Union.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian on Wednesday night insisted that the Ayungin Shoal is part of its waters and went on claiming that the resumption of Manila’s resupply mission to BRP Sierra Madre is “a provisional, special arrangement out of humanitarian considerations.”
“China demands that the Philippine side honor its commitment and remove its grounded vessel on Ren’ai Jiao (Ayungin Shoal). This position remains unchanged,” he said in a statement.

He also indicated the Chinese Coast Guard’s continued presence in the area, saying it “patrolled” and “monitored from start to end the Philippine side’s supply delivery activities.”

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), meanwhile, branded the latest Chinese remarks as mere “wolf warrior” release and the recent incident as harassment.

Earlier, DFA Secretary Teodoro Locsin, Jr. emphasized that China has “no law enforcement rights in and around” the area. (PNA)

The USCG Cutter Munro (WMSL 755), equipped with Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Scan Eagle also known as Drone, was joined by the Philippines’ BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV-8301), BRP Sindangan (MRRV-4407), BRP Capones (MRRV-4404), BRP Lapu-Lapu (MMOV-5001), and an Airbus helicopter.

In a statement, the PCG said the joint maritime exercise is anchored in the Philippine – United States cooperation to promote security and enhance law enforcement interoperability in the country’s maritime jurisdiction.

It came after Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte reconsidered his order earlier to abrogate the Ph-US Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) when the US Government denied the Visa application of a Philippine Senator who is a close political ally.

In January Last year, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the China Coast Guard (CCG) also conducted joint maritime drills on search and rescue (SAR) and combating fire at sea in the vicinity waters off Manila Bay. (VVV)

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SAN DIEGO –Film producer Jerry Bruckheimer and actor Tom Cruise became the U.S. Navy’s 35th and 36th Honorary Naval Aviators, respectively, during a brief ceremony held at Paramount Studios in Los Angeles Sept. 24.

The designations were presented by the Commander of Naval Air Forces, Vice Adm. DeWolfe Miller III, prior to a screening of Top Gun: Maverick, which is scheduled to premiere on July 2, 2021. As honorary Naval Aviators, Bruckheimer and Cruise are authorized to wear the “wings of gold” of a U.S. naval aviator and are entitled to all honors, courtesies and privileges afforded to Naval Aviators.

The citation for the award stated “In the history of motion pictures, there is not a more iconic aviation movie than the 1986 Paramount Pictures film Top Gun. Its characters, dialogue and imagery are ingrained in the minds of an entire generation of Americans. The movie captured the hearts of millions, making a profound positive impact on recruiting for Naval Aviation,” and “significantly promoted and supported Naval Aviation and put aircraft carriers and naval aircraft into popular culture.”

The citation went on to say that Cruise and Bruckheimer made great efforts to “ensure the Top Gun franchise is as authentic as possible, staying true to the unparalleled tactical excellence of the Navy Fighter Weapons School, the ethos of Naval Aviation, and the fighting spirit of the men and women of the world’s greatest Navy.”

The distinction of honorary Naval Aviator has not been bestowed in more than two years. Previous designees include Bob Hope in 1986 for his contributions to the morale of the Naval Aviation community, Jim Neighbors in 2010 for his support of the Pacific Aviation Museum and contributions to the morale of service members in his on-screen role as U.S. Marine, Pvt. Gomer Pyle, and Susan Ford Bales in 2016 for her role as ship’s sponsor for aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78).

In Top Gun: Maverick, Cruise is reprising the iconic role of Navy pilot Pete “Maverick” Mitchell. Bruckheimer produced both films, with Top Gun grossing more than $350 million at the box office worldwide and influencing an entire generation of Naval Aviators.

The Top Gun movie franchise is named for the U.S. Navy’s Fighter Weapons School, also known as “TOPGUN,” based at Naval Air Station Fallon, Nevada, which provides advanced tactics training for Navy and Marine Corps aviators.

Subic Bay Freeport — The suspension of the termination of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) between the Philippines and the United States has raised hopes on the return of US Military presence in this former US Naval Base.

“From an SBF (Subic Bay Freeport) point of view especially post Covid-19, this is welcome because it means we can continue to be a staging point for Balikatan Exercise, host US and allied ships which will bring much needed income,” Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma told Subic Bay News.

According to a US Embassy statement today (June 2), the Government of the Philippines on Monday, June 1 “notified the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines of its decision to suspend termination of the Visiting Forces Agreement.”

“The United States welcomes the Philippine government’s decision,” the US Embassy said, “our long-standing alliance has benefited both countries, and we look forward to continued close security and defense cooperation with the Philippines.”

On orders of President Rodrigo R. Duterte, the Philippines officially notified the United States on February 11 this year that it would be terminating the VFA, which would have been effective 180 days later, or on August 9, 2020.

The March 27, 1999 VFA that allows temporary visits of US troops in the country, mainly for joint military exercises, is anchored on the RP-US Mutual Defense Treaty of 1951, under which both countries have an obligation to support each other in case of an armed attack.

Duterte’s decision to terminate the VFA was widely seen as a knee-jerk reaction on the cancellation of Sen. Ronald dela Rosa’s US Visa as part of a crackdown on Human Rights violators by the US government. Dela Rosa led Duterte’s bloody “war on drugs” during his stint as the country’s top policeman, and was party to the incarceration of Sen. Leila de Lima on what is believed to be trumped-up drug charges.

Reminiscent of the stay of the US Military in Subic as a US Naval Base beginning in 1899, the largest outside the US Mainland, shutdown in 1992 by the rejection of the Philippine senate of the extension of the RP-US Military Bases Agreement (MBA) then set to expire, the Subic Bay Freeport, as well as the outlying communities benefit from the VFA in various ways, including ships services, bunkering, supplies, and personnel spending, pumping millions of pesos into the local economy.

US Servicemen also conduct community outreach activities during visits, which include medical and dental projects, school painting and repairs, among others, one reason why the locals here are understandably pre-dominantly “pro-US.”

According to SBMA Chaiman Eisma, “I grew up in Olongapo at a time when the US base was still here and I experienced first hand the impact of such activities to the community.” (VVV)

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By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kaysee Lohmann, USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) Public Affairs

ATLANTIC OCEAN (NNS) — Sailors aboard Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) recently helped prevent COVID-19 transmission by making masks for medical personnel and other Sailors on the frontline of the fight against the disease.

Truman, underway in the Atlantic Ocean, has no cases of COVID-19; the masks were made in preparation for Truman’s return to homeport.
The ship’s aircraft intermediate maintenance department, deck and medical departments coordinated mask production.

“We’re going home to a different environment, so it’s important for us to make preparations for the virus in order to maintain mission readiness and for Sailors to stay fit for full duty,” said Aircrew Survival Equipmentman 2nd Class Caitlin Schumacher, a Truman AIMD paraloft Sailor, who helped assemble masks.

Truman’s paraloft assembled the masks using local supplies provided by the ship’s medical department. According to Cmdr. Veronica Bigornia, Truman’s senior medical officer, making the masks is a smart use of Truman’s resources and demonstrates how ships can take actions to stay safe and accomplish the mission.

“The desired effect is to protect those Sailors in jobs that put them at higher risk of breathing in viral particles from other people,” said Bigornia. “These masks are important to cover the two main ways COVID-19 enters the body: your mouth and nose.”

Bigornia added that the masks were produced from Halyard H600 medical fabric, currently used by the ship’s medical department to wrap surgical instruments after use, before they go into a sterilizer.

“Truman Medical will utilize the masks to protect ourselves as we begin screening potentially exposed personnel prior to coming aboard,” said Bigornia. “These masks are as effective as the commercial N95 masks when worn correctly with a good seal and fit around the nose and mouth. The N95 rating means the mask blocks 95% of very small particles. Coronavirus is carried in respiratory droplets with a total size too large to get through an N95-rated mask.”

Due to Truman Sailors’ efforts, essential personnel aboard the ship will have high-quality personal protective equipment available for use as soon as it is needed.

The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group (HSTCSG) remains at sea in the Atlantic as a certified carrier strike group force ready for tasking, in order to protect the crew from the risks posed by COVID-19, following their successful deployment to the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operation.

Keeping HSTCSG at sea in U.S. 2nd Fleet, in the sustainment phase of OFRP, allows the ship to maintain a high level of readiness during the global COVID-19 pandemic.