By Priam Nepomuceno
MANILA – Filipino and American troops participating in this year’s “Salaknib” exercises conducted helicopter sling-load operations and anti-armor drills, the Philippine Army (PA) said Thursday.
Army spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala, in a statement, said these drills are all part of the ongoing “Salaknib” Phase 1 in Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija.
“The anti-armor training focused on engagement techniques and integration of anti-armor systems. Troops from the PA and US Army Pacific’s 25th Infantry Division refined their ability to identify and engage targets while reinforcing safe weapons handling and range procedures,” he added.
Meanwhile, the PA troops and their counterparts from the US Army Pacific (USARPAC) trained together in sling-load operations, rigging artillery pieces, military trucks, and cargo crates onto all-weather, medium-lift “Chinook” helicopters using sling sets, cargo nets, and other specialized equipment.
“Sling-loading equipment allows units to avoid obstacles that may hinder them from promptly reaching their target destination. The technique is also used to reach areas where the use of convoys is impractical or unfeasible,” Dema-ala said.
He added that the annual “Salaknib” enhances both ground forces’ combined lethality, strengthens interoperability, and improves both nations’ ability to counter threats in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.
The PA and USARPAC have been long-term partners for “Salaknib” since 2015, with the training anchored on the Mutual Defense Treaty between Manila and Washington D.C.
This year’s “Salaknib” Phase 1 drills run from April 6 to 17. It will be followed by Exercise “Balikatan” scheduled from April to May and “Salaknib” Phase 2 from May to June.
Around 7,000 Filipino, American, Australian, and Japanese troops are taking part in this exercise.
The multilateral exercises will focus on maritime and territorial defense, humanitarian assistance and disaster response, along with amphibious and combined arms operations.
The PA’s elevation of its exercises signals its readiness and firm resolve to respond to multiple threats.
“Salaknib” which means shield in Ilocano, reflects the historical bond between the Philippines and Americans that dates back to World War II when Filipino and American troops fought side-by-side. (PNA)
