Manila—On May 13, the U.S. Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) concluded its two-week training course with the Philippine Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) on countering weapons of mass destruction (CWMD).
This training, which involved more than 100 participants from each region across the Philippines, focused on the risks that first responders face when encountering a Chemical, Biological, Radioactive and Nuclear (CBRN) incident. A CBRN incident can be accidental or intentional, and BFP officers use their specialized equipment to ascertain what type of chemical or other material is present.
The CWMD Operations course enabled the students to analyze an incident, plan the initial response, and implement defensive actions to include: the selection and use of personal protective equipment, air monitoring and sampling, technical and mass decontamination, victim rescue and recovery, defensive product control, evidence preservation, and illicit laboratory and improvised device awareness.
The CWMD Technicians course allowed tactical leaders to analyze a problem, plan and implement a response, evaluate progress, adjust as needed, and assist in terminating a WMD incident.
“This CWMD Technicians course and the provisions of much-needed tools and equipment from DTRA will surely enhance BFP’s Special Rescue Force’s (SRF) capability to respond to CBRN incidents, especially with the newly created Hazmat and CBRN Teams in Cagayan de Oro and Puerto Princesa,” said SRF Director Chief Supt. Romel Tradio. “This strong partnership fosters security and progress.”
DTRA has been a longtime partner of BFP, enabling both the U.S. and the Philippines to learn best practices from each other. As the premier CBRN response agency in the Philippines, BFP continuously holds refresher and sustainment training on the tactics, techniques, and procedures necessary to stay ahead of the emerging risks and threats to the Philippines.
“This training was significant in enabling us to support the Philippine firefighters in their mission,” said DTRA Director of Onsite Inspection and Building Partner Capacity David L. Musgrave. “Since 2013, DTRA has worked closely with a number of Philippine units by providing training and equipment to enhance their ability to respond to incidents involving chemical, biological, or radiological material. We are very proud to support the efforts of our Philippine partners to bolster the safety and security of their nation.”
Plans for future DTRA capacity-building activities in the Philippines include training on a new mass-casualty decontamination system that was donated to the Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao, additional virtual trainings for CBRN awareness, and opportunities for BFP officers to travel to the United States and other countries for multinational training events once travel restrictions are lifted.
DTRA works continuously to enable the U.S. and partner nations to counter and deter WMDs as well as other emerging threats to human life.
In April, DTRA also held a training in Tuguegarao City to boost the Philippines’ capability to detect diseases and reduce biological threats. This training was built off of a longstanding cooperative partnership between DTRA’s Biological Threat Reduction Program (BTRP) and the Philippine Department of Agriculture Regional Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (RADDL) network.
It focused on improving capacity to safely detect, map, and report zoonotic disease, specifically targeting improvements in the biosecurity and biosafety practices necessary to effectively manage anthrax—a naturally occurring pathogen in the Philippines that has the potential to cause disease in animals and humans. It additionally supported the capability of RADDL II to characterize and map local disease burden, enabling improved risk assessments and bolstering it as a central line of defense against biothreat agents.

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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