http://rtvm.gov.ph - PHIL-US Balikatan Exercises

Fort Ramon Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija
13 April 2011

President Benigno S. Aquino III witnessed the show of cooperation between the Philippine and United States military forces during the Balikatan Exercises 2011 in Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija.

Upon arrival, the President was presented with live-fire convoy exercises and mass casualty rescue demonstrations performed by Filipino and American soldiers. They used real bullets, bombs and army rescue vehicles to exhibit actual military operations. President Aquino rode and inspected a B300 army truck after the show.

He then proceeded to a dialogue with the 7th Infantry Division (ID) soldiers and the Special Operations Command troops. The Commander-in-Chief said that the administration is striving hard to provide the needs of the Armed Forces of the Philippines by providing a housing program, combat pay increment and health benefits to military men. He also reported that the Philippine Navy will soon acquire one of the three Hamilton class cutters from the U.S. Coast Guard and that there will be additional long-range helicopters and multi- purpose attack water crafts to be used in the Palawan coast and Sulu Sea area. The President said that the government is supporting the Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) "Bayanihan" to promote peace between MILF and AFP.

(Source: http://rtvm.gov.ph)