Delegations from the United States Army Pacific (USARPAC) and the Spanish Navy visited the Philippine Army and the Philippine Navy headquarters as the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) continue to strengthen its bilateral ties and cooperation with its counterparts abroad.
Brig. Gen. Kevin Leahy, commanding general of the 7th Infantry Division of the US Army, and his party called on Army commanding general Lt. Gilbert Gapay at Fort Bonifacio wherein the two military officials discussed bilateral cooperation and training for both armies.
Among others, the two discussed future plans for Salaknib 2020, an army-to-army bilateral exercise that aims to fortify both forces’ capabilities and interoperability in conventional, joint and combined operations, as well as, their skill competencies in counterterrorism operations, said Army spokesman Col. Ramon Zagala.
“We’re interested in helping where we can and [also] learn from your experience. Showing you what we know and the experiences we have and mostly, getting the teams together,” Zagala quoted Leahy as saying during the discussion.
Zagala said Gapay had recommended to extend the training under Salaknib for two to four months in order to give more focus on the Philippine Army’s developing units, such as the Army Aviation Regiment (Provisional), 2nd Multiple Launch Rocket System Battery, 1st Land-based Missile System Battery and Cyber Battalion.
Gapay recalled the Army’s contingent to the Salaknib, the 1st Brigade Combat Team, and its experience last year wherein suicide bombers attacked the unit in Jolo, Sulu, and were neutralized immediately.
“[We want to further] train the newly created units and orient them in their special assignments [as they are part] of Army’s future force in defense,” the Philippine Army chief said.
“Exercises such as the Salaknib give the Philippine Army an opportunity to advance its competencies and gain additional knowledge necessary for capability development, enabling us to be more effective in safeguarding the nation against terrorist threats,” Gapay added.
On the other hand, Admiral Lopez Calderon, chief of the Spanish Naval Staff, who is in the country on an official visit, shared best practices and exchanged views with Navy chief Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad on a number of issues and challenges, including on maritime security, piracy, smuggling and terrorism.
“Said visit provided the officials of both navies an opportunity to share best practices and operational experience on the various challenges faced in carrying out their respective missions,” said Navy acting public affairs office chief Lt. Commander Maria Christina Roxas.
“With regard to modernization efforts, the Philippine Navy expressed interest to the submarine program of the Spanish Navy. It will help the command as it pursue its submarine acquisition,” she said.