Phil-US Marines holds capability demonstration in Puerto Princesa

ISABELA CITY, Basilan, Nov 7 (PIA) –- The joint forces of the United States and the Philippine Marines participating in this year’s Philippine Bilateral Exercises between the marine forces of the two countries have conducted a capability demonstration on October 27 in Tagkawayan, Puerto Princesa City.
In a statement, the 6th Civil Relations Group of the AFP reported that primarily, the Philippines and the US Marines simulated a boat raid scenario that showcased their capability in carrying out such a military operation.
The military said the simulation activity is part of the annual military exercises between the Philippines and the US Marine forces dubbed Phiblex, which is now on its 28th year.
It is also the first time that the joint military training is held in Palawan. In earlier reports, Philippine Exercise Director Brig. Gen. Eugene Clemen said that Palawan was chosen as the venue for some of the exercises, such as the boat raid, because the beaches in the province are suitable for the marine exercises.
Besides Palawan, joint marine exercises are being held simultaneously in Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija, Basa Air Base in Pampanga, Marine Barracks Gregorio Lim in Cavite, Crow Valley in Tarlac and Naval Station San Miguel in Zambales.
Designed to enhance interoperability between the Philippines and the US Marines, this year’s exercises will focus on improving both forces’ territorial defense capabilities as well as disaster response preparedness.
With at least 2000 US Marines and a thousand Philippine troops participating, the military exercises have also been involved in community development and humanitarian assistance projects.
The advance group of the US soldiers, along with Philippine Marine troops, have started giving free medical and dental services to the residents of Bgy Ransang in the municipality of Rizal and in Bgy Quinlogan, Quezon.
Community relations programs have also been conducted in several primary schools in Puerto Princesa City.
US Marines and sailors from the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade based in Okinawa, Japan, Amphibious Dock Landing Ship USS Germantown, Amphibious Assault Ship USS Essex and the Transport Dock Ship USS Denver have participated in the exercises while their counterpart from the Philippine Marines are represented by the members of the 4th Marine Battalion Landing Team (MBLT-4), Field Artillery Battalion, In-shore Battalion, Assault Armor Battalion and the Marine Corps Training Center. (JPA/6CRGAFP/RVC-PIA9 ZBST)