War games dropped from Balikatan

ORMOC CITY, Philippines – War games have been dropped from the Balikatan exercises scheduled next month here and in Guiuan, Eastern Samar, according to the Presidential Commission on the Visiting Forces Agreement (PCVFA).

Instead, the visiting United States forces would partner with the Philippine Army in constructing classrooms in two schools in Ormoc and one in Guiuan. They will also conduct community relations activities like health education and veterinary services.

In an orientation here last Thursday, Undersecretary Pedro Cesar Ramboanga of the PCVFA identified Gaas, Don Carlos Rivilla, Margen and Nueva Vista in Ormoc; Surok and the Felipe Abrigo Memorial Hospital in Guiuan as the barangays and institution where the troops would work.

The soldiers will construct a two-classroom building each in Gaas, Don Carlos Rivilla and Surok and conduct health education in Margen and Nueva Vista. They will also hold a medical seminar at the Felipe Abrigo Memorial Hospital. It was emphasized that the Balikatan would be an “exchange of skills and technology.”

The US soldiers will be restricted to their quarters to avoid a “Pemberton-like” incident from happening again, referring to the conviction of US Marine Joseph Scott Pemberton for the killing of transgender woman Jennifer Laude.

In the event that they are allowed to go out, they would be escorted by the Philippine Army.