The 38th annual Balikatan joint military exercise sees US Marines and Filipino Army improve their CBRN response in the Philippines.

The 38th annual Balikatan joint military exercise, conducted by the Philippine Army and the US Marines Corps, has begun in the Philippines. Chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) response training will be conducted as part of the exercise over five days at the 3rd Infantry Division’s headquarters in Camp General Macario Peralta Jr., Jamindan, Capiz. The training includes classroom lectures and hands-on exercises to enhance the Philippine military’s capabilities in responding to CBRN threats. Other exercises are also under way, including combined joint logistics over-the-shore operations in Casiguran, Aurora by Filipino and American Marines. In response to the drills in Zambales, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has promised to provide appropriate assistance to any fishermen affected by the Balikatan exercise.