MANILA – The Philippine military, along with allied forces from the US, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand, will conduct the next iteration of the “Salaknib” exercises beginning April 6, spanning central and northern Luzon over a two-week period.
According to Philippine Army spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala, the exercises will feature around 8,446 personnel: 4,500 from the Philippine Army, 3,000 from the US Army Pacific, 800 from Japan, 100 from Australia, and 46 from New Zealand.
“Japan and New Zealand are participating for the first time in this edition of ‘Salaknib,’” Dema-ala highlighted during a briefing at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.
The drills aim to enhance capabilities in maritime and territorial defense, disaster response, humanitarian aid, amphibious operations, and integrated combat maneuvers. Live-fire exercises will also be conducted, although the exact scenarios and assets involved are still being finalized.
Training will take place in Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija, as well as other northern and central Luzon provinces such as Pangasinan and La Union.
“Salaknib,” which means “shield” in Ilocano, commemorates the historical cooperation between Filipino and American troops dating back to World War II. The exercise series was initiated in 2016 and has grown to include a broader group of allied forces.
ia/xf
