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Pres. Rodrigo Duterte administration calls on the US to send troops to hold Balikatan exercises in the West Philippine Sea?

The words Balikatan Exercises would once again find a home in Philippine social media after the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) welcomed US troops for a two-week stint of war games and sharing of knowledge in national defense.

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It’s no secret that President Rodrigo Duterte isn’t the best of friends with the United States, even after its former President, Donald Trump, seemed to align with his ideals.

It seems ironic now that his Defense Secretary is turning to Uncle Sam for help, especially after a Palace official just blasted the US for not helping with the pandemic.

The words Balikatan Exercises would once again find a home in Philippine social media after the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) welcomed US troops for a two-week stint of war games and sharing of knowledge in national defense.

These photos were taken earlier today, April 12, at the opening ceremony of the 36th Balikatan Exercises, kicking off a series of war games and training events.

However, AFP Spokesperson Marine Maj. Gen. Edar Arevalo clarified that there are fewer training events, including zero face-to-face engagement between Filipino and American troops.

Outside of both countries’ military personnel holding what now appears to be virtual training exercises, Defense Sec. Delfin Lorenzana met with his US counterpart, Lloyd Austin III.

The meeting involved matters involving [not just the resumption of Filipino-US joint training], but on other pertaining concerns, too.

In a statement–the Department of National Defense (DND) said Lorenzana and Austin held a telephone conference on Sunday, April 11.

They talked about the developments in the West Philippine Sea. Also, he said they were looking forward to the resumption of the Balikatan Exercises and asking Sec. Austin to help expedite the delivery of the Moderna vaccines the country has ordered.

While this might be a welcome sight for most Filipinos, who are concerned with security and safety within the West Philippine Sea, the move would raise eyebrows from progressive groups.

These groups are those who [previously] called for the repeal of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) previously, which led to tensions within the region.

Most Netizens are also questioning the decision of Duterte’s appointees, as he threatened to repeal the VFA in 2020.

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Others also raised concerns about finding US troops back on Philippine soil, especially with wounds from the death of transwoman Jennifer Laude still not fully healed.

One Netizen, however, raised a possible reason why the 36th Balikatan Exercises pushed through this 2021.

The US Troops in the Western Philippine Sea have prevented the Chinese vessels from venturing into the mentioned contested waters.

Based on the DND statement and the timing of the training events, this is an opportune time for Philippine forces to once again claim shoals and reefs within the country’s exclusive economic zone without much resistance from the Chinese maritime militia.

Balikatan ExercisesChina AlisDefense secretariesduterteLloyd Austin IIILorenzanaVisiting Forces Agreementwest philippine sea

Written by Andronico Del Rosario

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