rines have int e grated what they learned in their own operational system. US Marines team leader Captain John Dolby commended the Philippine Marines for proving themselves at par with their American counterparts. The simulated boat raid operation was part of the annual military exercises between the Philippine and US Marines dubbed Phiblex designed to enhance interoperability between both countries’ marine forces. This year’s exercises focused on improving territorial defense capabilities as well as disaster response preparedness. LTGen Juan-
cho M. Sabban AFP, Commander of the Western Command (WESCOM), said Palawan was chosen as one of the venues for the training not only because the beaches found here are suitable for military exercises such as the boat raid operation but also because of the presence of the support facility in the West Coast, particularly in Ulugan Bay. WESCOM Chief said amphibious operations like the boat raid are the core competency of the Philippine Marines and the training with the American soldiers would further improve their capabilities. US Exercise director Brig. Gen. Craig Timberlake said training with the Philippine Marines is particularly special of the kinship between the Filipino soldiers and the US
Marines. The exercise was participated in by at least 2000 US marines and a thousand Philippine troops. Community development and humanitarian assistance projects had also been conducted as part of military exercises. Aside from trainings in Palawan, joint marine exercises are being held simultaneously in Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija, Basa Air Base in Pampanga, Marine Barracks Gregorio Lim in Cavite, Crow Valley in Tarlac and Naval Station San Miguel in Zambales. (JPA/6CRGAFP/ RVC-PIA9 ZBST)
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