Ang Pahayagan

CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), alongside the United States Armed Forces, Japan Self-Defense Forces, Australian Defence Force, and other allied and partner nations, formally opened Exercise Balikatan 41-2026 in a ceremony held Monday, April 20, at Tejeros Hall inside the AFP Commissioned Officers’ Country Club.

Key military leaders and dignitaries from participating countries attended the opening rites, marking the start of one of the region’s largest joint military exercises.

Lt. Gen. Christian F. Wortman, commanding general of the I Marine Expeditionary Force, reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to strengthening interoperability and cooperation with the AFP, as well as with regional partners including Japan and Australia.

AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr. led the official opening of the exercise and the unfurling of the Balikatan flag, joined by senior military leaders, symbolizing the enduring partnership among participating nations.

Military officials said Balikatan 41-2026 highlights the shared commitment of treaty allies and regional partners to boost military readiness, enhance defense cooperation, and support a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

The participation of Japan and Australia also reflects the expanding network of security cooperation in the region, as the exercise continues to serve as a platform for improving joint and combined capabilities in humanitarian assistance, disaster response, and security operations.