Top officials from the United States and Philippines on Friday formally started a joint military exercise which will involve 8,000 troops from both countries and dozens of military assets, including a squadron of F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Emmanuel Bautista declared the opening of the nine-day military exercise dubbed as "Balikatan 2013" at the AFP headquarters in Metro Manila, the country's capital region.
"Balikatan is a clear affirmation of a shared commitment between the Philippines and U.S. armed forces to move shoulder to shoulder for stability, security and development," said Bautista.
Brig. Gen. Richard Simcock, deputy commander of the U.S. Marine Corps Forces in the Pacific, said the annual military exercise is meant to improve "military operations and to advance regional security operations."
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