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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Marcos views PH-US-Australia amphibious assault exercise; cites security imperative

Marcos views PH-US-Australia amphibious assault exercise; cites security imperative

Published Aug 25, 2023 05:40 am

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has witnessed the "movie-like" amphibious and land operation (ALON) bilateral training between the Philippines, United States, and Australia , which he said was "extremely important" amid volatility in the region.

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"Para tayong nanood ng sine (It felt like we were watching a movie)," Marcos said when he faced reporters after viewing the amphibious assault exercise conducted by Filipino, American, and Australian troops.

Marcos was able to witness the large-scale exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Australian Defense Force (ADF) and the United States Marine Corps (USMC) at the Naval Station Leovigildo Gantioqui in San Antonio, Zambales on Friday, Aug. 25.

The President called it large scale as it involved over 2,400 personnel from the three participating countries.

"So, this is our continuing effort to strengthen our capabilities and to have a closer working relationship with the militaries of our neighbors around the region," he said.

"And I think it is an important aspect of how we prepare for any eventuality and considering that there have been so many events that attest to the volatility of the region," he added.

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More than 2000 Philippines and Australian Defense Forces with U.S. Marine Corps aviation from Marine Rotational Force – Darwin participate at the 1st Amphibious Operations of the Indo-Pacific endeavor 2023 (ALON) at Naval Station Leovigildo Gantioqui in San Antonio, Zambales on Aug. 25, 2023. The joint military exercise was witnessed by President Ferdinand Marcos and Australia's Defence Minister Richard Marles. (Noel B. Pabalate)

The Chief Executive further said that this kind of exercise with other countries is extremely important and must continue to be pursued by the Philippines.

"This kind of close strategic cooperation between countries around the region is extremely important and I think that we have demonstrated that today and to see how well our troops work together now," Marcos stressed.

"[T]his a very large exercise, with so many elements involved, but they got it right and we are able to see that things went according to plan and again the working relationship between our two militaries and, of course, the United States as well, is again, has been demonstrated and is something that we will continue to strengthen," Marcos added.

The bilateral engagement forms the second part of the three Field Training Exercises (FTX) under the ‘Indo-Pacific Endeavor (IPE): ALON 2023’ that aims to enhance proficiency and demonstrate capabilities in maritime, amphibious and subsequent land operations.

Prior to this event, the first FTX was conducted which featured an air assault exercise in Punta Baja Rizal, Palawan on Aug. 20 to 22, 2023.  The third FTX bilateral exercise, featuring land training and air training, will be on Aug. 27 to Sept. 22 in Capas, Tarlac and Cavite.  

Initiated in 2017, the bilateral exercise aims to foster regional security and partnerships in the Indo-Pacific through engagement, training, and humanitarian efforts in Southeast Asia and the Northern Indian Ocean.

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Bongbong Marcos amphibious and land operation (ALON) defense President Marcos
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