CAMP AQUINO, Tarlac – The commander of the Northern Luzon Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has assured that livelihood of fisherfolk on coastal areas in Northern and Central Luzon will not be affected by the ongoing “Balikatan” military exercise.
FILIPINO and American soldiers salute in front of their national flags while their national anthems are played during the opening ceremony of the 'Balikatan' joint military exercise at the Armed Forces of the Philippines headquarters in Quezon City on Tuesday, April 11. (AFP)

Instead, the activity will boost the interoperability of security operations between the AFP and the US Armed Forces (USAF), said Lt. Gen.  Fernyl G. Buca, Nolcom commander. “The ongoing Balikatan exercise will not hamper the day-to-day activities of the people along the site of the exercise,” Buca said. Buca said Nolcom is exerting efforts to balance the exercise's objectives with the well-being and security of the population while also actively participating in joint military exercises that enhance the AFP's capabilities and readiness. He sought the understanding and support of the public and local communities as Balikatan progresses. “We reaffirmed our commitment to our mission of safeguarding the northern part of the Philippines as we assure that the day-to-day activities of the people in North and Central Luzon will continue as it should be,” he said. Buca said Nolcom is poised to take on a critical role in the 38th iteration of the PH-US Exercise Balikatan, as the training sites for the exercise fall within their area of operations. The highly anticipated 38th PH-US Exercise Balikatanofficially commenced on Tuesday, April 11, in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City. This is the largest-ever bilateral military exercise between the AFP and the USAF. The Balikatan exercise is participated by 17,600 troops from the USAF and AFP and is being held in North and Central Luzon, Palawan, and Antique.