Joint exercises enhancing military capabilities, says think tank

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines should not underestimate the importance of military exercises, not only for the strengthening of ties between nations and armed forces, but also in developing the capabilities of the Philippine military to independently deal with a wide variety of challenges, the private think tank Albert del Rosario Institute (ADRi) said.

ADRi president Dindo Manhit said other countries that have huge and better-equipped military organizations make it a point to hold joint exercises with US forces.

Manhit pointed out that even China, just last June, had joined naval exercises hosted by the US.

“Military exercises range from those intended to improve maritime security, such as strengthening anti-piracy capabilities, to addressing internal concerns such as counter-terror and counter-insurgency capabilities. Moreover, the same exercises are used to improve the military’s ability to respond to humanitarian challenges during natural disasters, as well as conduct search-and-rescue operations,” Manhit said.

“The Philippines has conducted and joined military exercises with international partners for years, and these should not be interpreted provocatively by any one country,” he said.

Last June, China joined naval exercises hosted by the US. This month, China conducted naval exercises with Russia in the South China Sea.

“The Philippines has not interpreted any of these moves provocatively, and China should do the same,” Manhit said.

ADRi issued the statement in reaction to President Duterte’s declaration of putting an end to joint military exercises with the US within his term.

Duterte has said the military exercises are something Bejing does not want.

He also said there is no sense continuing with the joint exercises with the American forces since these do not benefit their Filipino counterparts.