Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 26)— President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. witnessed on Wednesday the live fire drills of Philippine and United States troops in Zambales as he expressed hopes that Manila could further benefit from an “enhanced” cooperation with Washington.
The exercise — a combined joint littoral live fire which also included the sinking of an old Navy ship — is part of the nations’ Balikatan drills this year.
“[The] president witnessed the live-fire sea drill, hoping the country could benefit from enhanced cooperation with the United States,” Malacañ ang said following Marcos’ trip.
“The training event represented a tangible demonstration of the US-Philippine commitment to strengthen military capabilities and interoperability to meet shared modern-day security challenges,” it added. “It provides an opportunity for the two armed forces to enhance cooperation, increase capabilities and improve interoperability in conflict situation and disaster response.”
Around 1,400 military personnel from both countries participated in the training — which involved detecting, engaging, and coordinating fires on a target ship using ground and air-based weapons systems.
Key officials from the Philippine and US governments such as Armed Forces chief Gen. Andres Centino, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año, US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for South and Southeast Asia Lindsey Ford, and US Exercise Director Lt. Gen. William Jurney also attended the event.
Meanwhile, authorities said they have yet to verify the source of the reported interloper or intruder – an aircraft sighted in the area where the joint drills were being held.
