(Photo: 7th ID-PA)

QUEZON CITY, (PIA) -- Lieutenant General Romeo Brawner Jr., commanding general of the Philippine Army and his counterpart General Charles Flynn, commanding general of the United States Army Pacific (USARPAC) are currently leading the conduct of this year's Balikatan Exercise at the 7th ID-PA, Fort Ramon Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija.

The two military leaders observed the live fire exercise of the Javelin Anti-Tank Weapon System (JATWS) inside the vast military camp, Thursday afternoon.

According to Brawner, the purpose of the Balikatan Exercise is to beef up the strength and skill of the armies of the two affiliated countries. The United States is also said to be a strong partner of the Philippines in capability development programs.

Such a weapon,  the JATWS, is used against enemy tanks and armored vehicles that can hit even at a long distance.

This is what the Armed Forces of the Philippines are trying to have in the future, as such equipment that can be used to strengthen the defense and defend the country's territory.

Brawner also emphasized that the examples or scenarios in the exercises between the US and the Philippine Army do not target any enemy but are preparations for all kinds of threats that may come to the Philippines such as disasters or events man made.

Before the Balikatan Exercise started, the Salaknib Exercise was held between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the US Army this March, and it is scheduled to end this coming May. (PIA-NCR)