A renewed pact is brewing between the Philippines and the United States. By next month, the two countries will sign the visiting forces agreement that will permit for another bilateral military exercises, to take place in the Philippines. Done yearly, the exercises are expected to further strengthen the diplomatic ties and defense system of both countries. The pact will also allow for other activities with the US forces next year.
According to Armed Forces chief Gen. Jessi Dellosa, the military drills have been a part of the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) since 1951. Under the said treaty, the military of both countries are expected to develop the necessary skills needed for the armed forces to guarantee national security of their countries. The Balikatan Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training or CARAT and the annual Amphibious Landing Exercise or PHIBLEX are only some of the trainings in the country staged by the US.
Popularly known as Balikatan exercises, some of the benefits that the Philippines gain in training with the American troops include battlefield tactics in a warfare scenario, naval exercises, amphibious landing as well as maneuvering modern military equipments. The rural communities also receive free health services as well as feeding programs and school buildings. In turn, America is assured to have an alliance in the Philippines as well as a military base should a war break out.
Amid the benefits believed to be gained by the Philippine army from the US troops, recent reports of toxic wastes allegedly being dumped by the US military ships in Subic has been probed the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).
In its defense, the tanker Glenn Defense Marine Asia denied such allegations and stressed that they are following the necessary guidelines set by the authorities. Dellosa, on the other hand, has made clear that these issues will not affect the military exercises and assured the public that parts of the exercises involve environmental protection and discussions.
The 1951 pact between the US and the Philippines has undeniably benefitted the latter in more ways than one. However, no matter how indebted the Philippines might be, respect and courtesy as visitors should be practiced in treating the host country’s resources or people. As allies, members should be after the wellness of one another and not the other way around. Pact of alliances gives the idea of partners having each others’ backs at all times. Aside from mutual respect and trust, another important thing to remember in an agreement is that no one should get left behind.
(AJPress)
