MANILA, Philippines, November 5 ------ The Armed Forces of the Philippines launched its multi-service military exercises on territorial defense acknowledging that Beijing will likely monitor the drills but declaring they "don't mind" being watched.
This year’s joint drills also mark several firsts in the military’s push to boost territorial defense amid Chinese vessels’ increased aggression at sea: reservists will now take part in the AFP-wide drills. For the first time, troops will also undergo exercises on information operations. "China will respond the same way they have always responded. They have a front seat to the exercise. They will watch us, yes, and we don't mind,” Col. Michael Logico, executive director of the AFP-wide joint exercise, told reporters on Monday at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
Dubbed the “DAGIT-PA” exercises, short for dagat, langit at lupa (sea, sky and land), the joint drills will involve over 3,000 troops from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Special Operations forces. With an eye on tensions in the South China Sea but also on internal defense matters, the whole AFP will simulate its comprehensive territorial defense plan during the two-week exercise, which will run until November 15, AFP Chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said during his opening speech. “In this exercise, we are strengthening our commitment to fortifying our nation's defenses and enhancing our operational capabilities,” Brawner said.
The military chief said that Philippine forces are “ready to face real-world challenges head-on” and protect the nation’s interests, which have been done “especially [by] those assigned to the West Philippine Sea.” “Our mission today is very clear, to prepare ourselves comprehensively to respond to any external threats that might challenge our sovereignty,” Brawner said.
Source: philstar.com
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