US, Philippines Begin Large-Scale Joint Military Drills to Bolster Defense TiesThe Philippines and U.S. marines have launched two weeks of joint naval exercise to bolster military ties, with Japan and South Korea participating in the drill as “observers” for the first time.
The Kamandag 6 is being held in the Philippines islands of Luzon, Batanes, and Palawan from Oct. 3 to Oct. 14. It involved 530 Philippine marines, 2,550 U.S. marines, and 100 Philippine Navy and Air Force personnel.
Some 30 Japan Ground Self-Defense Force personnel and 100 South Korean marines will also participate in the exercise, according to the U.S. Marine Corps.
“The Kamandag exercise certainly boosts our territorial defense capabilities as we continue training with our allied forces in the region,” Brig. Gen. Raul Jesus Caldez, acting commandant of the Philippine Marine Corps, said in a statement....
Source: US, Philippines Begin Large-Scale Joint Military Drills to Bolster Defense Ties (https://www.theepochtimes.com/us-philippines-begin-large-scale-joint-military-drills-to-bolster-defense-ties_4783204.html)