CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) formally opened this year’s BALIKATAN Exercise on April 11, 2023 at the General Headquarters, Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo.

This year's BALIKATAN is the 38th iteration and one of the biggest bilateral exercises in the country. This exercise is between the Philippines and United States and will be conducted on the different locations in the country with specific Field Training Exercises (FTX). The said training activities allow participating units to review their tactics, techniques, and procedures as well as the interoperability not only among joint AFP forces, but also with allies.

One of the FTX events will be conducted in the province of Palawan. The amphibious assault operations and aerial gunnery exercise will be held in Brooke’s Point, while the Gas Oil Platform Takedown (GOPLAT) Exercise will be at El Nido, Palawan.

Participants from both countries on the GOPLAT Exercise have already arrived in El Nido followed by the opening ceremony on April 11, 2023 at Headquarters Joint Task Force Malampaya.

Likewise, the 3rd Marine Brigade/Joint Task Force Peacock also joined the opening ceremony virtually at their Headquarters in Brgy. Tiniguiban, PPC. Marine forces will be the key players during the amphibious operations.

Western Command (WESCOM), along with the different Joint Task Forces, welcomes all the participants of the BALIKATAN 38-23. WESCOM will continue to sharpen its sphere through the conduct of different exercises and strong partnership with joint forces and allies. (WESCOM)