US Army Pacific Command to assist PA vs. security threats

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MANILA — The US Army Pacific Command (USARPAC) reiterated its commitment to extend all support it can provide to help the Philippine Army (PA) in facing current security threats.

During a meeting on the sidelines of the 11th Indo-Pacific Army Chiefs Conference (IPACC) in Bangkok, Thailand Monday, PA chief Lt. Gen. Macairog S. Alberto and USARPAC acting commander Maj. Gen. Pete Johnson expressed their concern on the recent suicide bombings as well as the terrorism threat in the Philippines.

The success of the army-to-army exercises between PA and USARPAC known as “Salaknib” held early this year was also discussed.

This opened the possible inclusion of a joint Airborne Operations Training and Exercise on the next iteration of “Salaknib”, PA spokesperson Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said.

From a bilateral exercise in 2015, the activity transformed into an Army training exchange that aims to enhance the skill and competencies of the participants in counterterrorist operations.

The IPACC is an annual event that brings together Army leaders across the Indo-Pacific region to address mutual interests and challenges.

It aims to promote peace and stability in the region through “mutual understanding, dialogue, and friendship.”

“The Philippine Army engages in military diplomacy, especially the bilateral exchanges among the senior leaders in the Indo-Pacific region, to strengthen ties and cooperation among the armies which is needed to better protect the peace and security in our country and the region,” Zagala said.