PINAGTUUNAN ng katatapos lamang na “Balikatan” exercises ang pangangailangan para sa kooperasyon at kolaborasyon ng mga bansa sa panahong mahirap masiguro ang seguridad ng isang lugar.
“This activity certainly highlighted the importance of mutual cooperation and collaboration. In today’s complex global security environment, it is imperative that we continue to strengthen cooperation with allies and partners in order to expand and adapt these relationships in dealing with new challenges and threats, such as terrorism, transnational crimes, cyber and maritime security concerns, as well as natural and man-made disasters that transcend borders and boundaries,” pagbabahagi ni Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief-of-Staff, Gen. Benjamin Madrigal Jr., sa kanyang talumpati sa pagsasara ng taunang joint military maneuvers sa AFP Commissioned Officers’ Club sa Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City kamakailan.
Binigyang-diin ni Madrigal na ang taunang “Balikatan” exercises ay isa sa paraan ng AFP upang masukat ang mga estratehiya para sa mga interoperability at initiate innovations, partikular sa magkatuwang na operasyon.
“This (‘Balikatan’) has also bolstered the strong bonds between our countries, as we plan, work and operate side-by-side and shoulder-to-shoulder in our joint undertakings to continuously capacitate and empower our Armed Forces as we fulfill our respective responsibilities in maintaining peace and stability in the region,” ani AFP chief.
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Nabanggit din niya na nakamit ng Balikatan ngayong taon ang mga pangunahin nitong hangarin at layunin.
Pinuri rin niya ang mga military personnel mula Japan, Canada, South Korea, United Kingdom, New Zealand, Thailand, at Singapore na nagsilbing observer sa dalawang-linggong pagsasanay na nagsimula nitong Abril 1.
“We hope that through the International Observers’ Program, you were able to gain insights on interoperability and combined operations, as well as to have meaningful exchange of ideas and best practices, which will eventually benefit our respective Armed Forces. We look forward to your continued support and participation in our similar future endeavors,” ani Madrigal.
Samantala, sinabi naman ni Australian Chief of Joint Operations Air Marshal Mel Hupfeld na iniaangat ng pasasanay na ito ang kahandaan ng rehiyon at pagtugon sa mga tunay na pagsubok na posibleng kaharapin sa mundo.
“The Philippines is an important regional partner to both Australia and the U.S.,” ani Air Marshal Hupfeld. “Balikatan 2019 allowed all of the participants to build on existing military-to-military relationships and support the AFP’s modernization efforts.”
Ipinakita rin ng mga kalahok sa pagsasanay ang kani-kanilang mga kakayahan sa pagtugon bilang sa suporta sa mga kaalyado sa panahon ng krisis o sakuna.
“This training allows us to come together and operate as one team. Balikatan continues to prepare our armed forces to work together to confront any and all challenges that may jeopardize the mutual defense we have worked so hard to provide for one another,” pahayag ni US 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force head Lt. Gen. Eric Smith.
PNA
