The United States Armed Forces advance party will arrive in the Philippines on March 20 for the 2023 ‘Balikatan’ exercises.

On Saturday, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar said that the party would do humanitarian civic assistance before the military exercises on April 11.

These include the construction of facilities, cooperative health engagements, and community relations done by the AFP and US Armed Forces, said Aguilar.

The Philippines and the US will have more than 17,000 personnel who will join the Balikatan, the largest iteration of the annual joint military drills.

It will be done in different parts of the country including Palawan, Batanes, and Zambales, from April 11 to 28.

Meanwhile, the Australian Embassy with the AFP said that they will join the program with around 100 personnel from the Australian Defence Force.

“Australia is proud to return as an active participant in Exercise Balikatan 2023. This is a significant activity that offers the opportunity for the Australian Defence Force to continue to work closely with our partners, particularly the Philippines and the US," the Australian Embassy in Manila said in a statement.

In the meantime, Japan will send out observers.

The proposed establishment of a Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) or a Status of Forces Agreement, which will enhance training and exercises between the 2 countries, is still being discussed between Tokyo and Manila.

Last March 14 to 17, the Philippine delegation was led by AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Andres Centino for the Defense and Security Equipment International in Tokyo.

With the event, Centino and Ge. Koji Yamazaki, chief of Japan Self Defense Forces, discussed the RAA and mutual concerns regarding maritime cooperation and defense, and capability development.