Balikatan 2017 formally opened last May 8. US servicemen from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 85 is part of the American forces that would hold annual “Balikatan” (shoulder-to-shoulder) military exercises with their Philippine counterparts. Also referred to as the “Firehawks,” the unit is a US Navy reserve helicopter squadron based in San Diego, California.
In a statement, the US Embassy in Manila said US forces would conduct civic activities in different areas of the Philippines, including the provinces of Panay, Leyte and Samar. Moreover, American and Filipino soldiers taking part in Balikatan 2017, the embassy said, would renovate schools and deliver medical services. These soldiers would hold Balikatan exercises for two months in those three Philippine islands. The military exercises will run from May 8 to 19.
Balikatan 2017 is being carried out despite President Duterte’s retreat from a foreign policy heavily tilted toward the United States. For this push, American soldiers continue trying to win hearts and minds through the noncombat components of Balikatan in Luzon and the Visayas. Obviously, they’re trying to get the President’s cooperation and support in more initiatives other than defense.
For example, last April 28, elements of the Military Sealift Command’s Expeditionary Port Unit 111 visited Gordon College in Olongapo to donate 22 boxes of books and first-aid supplies. They also delivered medical and dental supplies to James L. Gordon Memorial Hospital and handed out stuffed toys and gifts to young patients there. Another batch of US Navy officers and enlisted servicemen from USNS Pecos donated hygiene supplies and clothes to the Olongapo City Development Center for Girls. They also donated soccer balls and jersey uniforms to Dragonball Kickers, a local youth soccer team.
Another thing to ponder is that last year, four units joined the Balikatan maneuvers: the Central Command, Northern Luzon Command, Southern Luzon Command and Western Command. This year, only the Cebu-based Central Command and the Northern Luzon Command are participating in the exercises. This may be due to Mr. Duterte’s order not to allow US military influence in his Mindanao homeland.
In effect, some changes in the role of United States in Balikatan 2017 may be expected—most likely, a “softened approach” unlike in previous years. Indeed, politics has a powerful influence in any agreement and in the implementation thereof.
I hope this year’s Balikatan will strengthen our disaster response and counterterrorism competence, and help the Philippines to enhance its military’s combat capabilities. The United States has been a long-running military ally in the Asia Pacific. On the other hand, this will help our soldiers fight militants and destabilizers in the south, especially those killing innocent civilians and engaged in illegal activities, like the Abu Sayyaf bandits and NPA rebels.
MARIA JUMELA E. DECENA, mjedecena@gmail.com