Philippine, US troops train in ADR, EOD, disaster response

Philippine Army engineers and their American counterparts have trained together as part of ongoing 'Balikatan' exercises in the Visayas region, focusing on airfield damage repair (ADR) and explosive ordnance disposal (EOD).

The training activities began in Cebu on April 21 and include lectures and simulation exercises, with practical ADR training at Camp Cadre in Medellin.

Brig. Gen. Maynard Camarao highlighted that these skills are crucial for mission success, ensuring operational continuity through rapid restoration of damaged runways and removal of explosive hazards.

More than 14,000 Filipino and American troops are participating in the Balikatan exercise, which runs until May 9 and aims to enhance disaster response efforts and demonstrate a shared commitment to stability in the Indo-Pacific Region.

Additionally, the Philippine Air Force conducted search and rescue drills off the coast of Zambales province to improve personnel recovery capabilities in wartime conditions, involving advanced US missile systems and aircraft such as C-130 turboprop transport and V-22 Osprey tiltrotor transport.