As part of this year's "Balikatan" exercises, Filipino, American, and Australian special forces conducted resupply bundle drop operations (also known as parachute resupply or airdrops) in the coastal waters of Barangay Punta Baja, Rizal, Palawan, on Friday.
In a Facebook post on Sunday, the Western Command (Wescom) stated that participating forces include the Army 18th Special Forces, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Special Operation Group, and their American and Australian equivalents.
According to Wescom, the "Balikatan" exercise is a good opportunity for local and foreign ally forces to share information and skills in order to improve capabilities, combat readiness, and interoperability.
Moreover, Wescom reported that its 3rd Marine Marine Brigade and subordinate units took part in "visit, board, search, and seizure (VBSS) exercises" at the Joint Maritime Law Enforcement Training Center in Barangay Magarwak, Sta. Lourdes, Puerto Princesa City.
The PCG, the 2nd Special Operations Unit of the Philippine National Police Maritime Group, and the US armed forces were among those who took part.
Meanwhile, the US Marine Corps Marine Special Operation Command organized the 10-day event, which began on April 12.
Some of the real VBSS training took place aboard the M/V Palawan Coast in the port area of Barangay Liwanag, Puerto Princesa City.
It is one of several training opportunities provided during "Balikatan" to improve capabilities and keep the two allies, the Philippines and the United States, ready.
