PH, US military exercises aim to boost defense capabilities

Expanded joint military exercises between the Philippines and the United States, including Marine Exercise (MAREX) 2025 and "Salaknib", aim to bolster the Philippines' defense capabilities.

House Speaker Martin Romualdez stated that these exercises are not directed at any specific country and are solely for enhancing troop skills and improving coordination with allies for security and peace.

Romualdez emphasized that while these drills strengthen the Philippines' ability to protect its territory and citizens in partnership with allies, the nation remains sovereign and in control of its future.

MAREX 2025, which ran from March 30 to April 11, involved 179 US Marines, 189 Philippine Marine Corps troops, 57 Philippine Army soldiers, 11 Coast Guard officers, and 40 reservists.

The training focused on critical areas such as maritime rapid response, counter-landing operations, and coastal defense.