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Tacloban hosts Balikatan

Philippines | Visayas

Tacloban hosts Balikatan

By Marie Tonette Marticio

8TH Infantry Division soldiers (FB)

8TH Infantry Division soldiers (FB)

TACLOBAN CITY – This city will host a part of the 41st Balikatan Exercises next week.

The annual military exercise aims to enhance cooperation and defense readiness between the Philippines and United States. Other participating nations are Canada, Australia, New Zealand, France, and Japan. Over 17,000 personnel are joining.

The event will be held in Region 8 from April 20 to May 8 at DZR Airport with 120 participants.

Capt. Christopher Tataro, chief of the 8th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office, stated that all activities will be confined within the airport. He added that there are multiple sites across the country, mostly in Luzon.

Col. Rico Amaro, commander of Task Group Tacloban, assured that flights and traffic will not be affected by the exercise as it is not part of the airport's operational activities.

He said that the exercise does not indicate plans to build foreign bases in the city but is solely aimed at strengthening the country’s crisis response and defense capabilities.

Related Tags

Tacloban City Balikatan

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