US-PHL forces to begin military exercises near West PHL Sea

Around 2,700 United States and Philippine armed forces members are set to begin naval exercises later this month in Palawan and Zambales.

Philippine Navy Public Affairs Office Chief Lt. Cmdr. Marineth Domingo said on Tuesday that the Philippine Bilateral Exercise (Phiblex) would run from September 29 to October 10.

“The exercise aims to advance the Philippines and US military to military relationship, build combined capacity for command and control, combined arms, amphibious operations, mechanized operations, special operations and logistics support operations,” Domingo explained.

She added that Phiblex was for training purposes only and had nothing to do with China's claims over disputed territories in the West Philippines Sea.

In Palawan, the two forces will hold amphibious training operations, military exchanges on tactical warfare simulations, maritime security planning and command post exercises.

Meanwhile, training on mechanized assault operations will be held in Zambales.

Humanitarian activities, the construction of school buildings and medical missions, are also scheduled during Phiblex. — Andrei Medina/DVM, GMA News