Philippines-US Palawan drill ends

MANILA, Philippines — Filipino and American military troopers have completed this year’s bilateral exercises in Rizal, Palawan.

The Balance Piston 22-3 Drill conducted at the headquarters of the 18th Special Forces Company (18SFC) ended on Friday, according to 1st Lt. Jerrica Angela Manongdo, civil military operations officer of the Special Forces Regiment.

Col. Rosendo Abad Jr., deputy commander of the Special Forces Regiment, led the closing ceremony a month after the exercises started on Aug. 15.

The drill was intended to improve the interoperability of the US and Philippine troops.

Participated by the US Special Forces ODA 1336 and the entire 18SFC led by Capt. Jefferson Nobleza, the training included practical exercises in long range marksmanship, combat marksmanship, close quarter combat and small unit tactics.

The drill also included unconventional warfare and maritime operations in several areas in Rizal.

Nobleza said the Filipino soldiers would forever cherish the bond and brotherhood they shared with their US counterparts.

Abad thanked the JUSMAG-Philippines, the military’s Western Command and the marine units in Palawan for helping facilitate the execises.