AFP to hold 'full battle' sim during 2025 Balikatan

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will conduct a full battle test during this year’s Balikatan Exercise with their American counterparts, military chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. told reporters on Thursday.

Brawner said the AFP and the United States Armed Forces (USAF) agreed to continue promoting a rules-based international order and ensuring a free and open Pacific region.

This discussion followed his 11 February phone call with General Charles Q. Brown Jr., chairperson of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff.

The two military leaders discussed modernization initiatives, Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites, and expanding the scope of joint exercises in the Philippines.

“For instance, in our Balikatan Exercise, I told him that we are going to have a full battle test for this year, and so, he committed to continuing the support of the US Armed Forces to the Philippine Armed Forces,” Brawner told reporters in an ambush interview.

“Despite the fact that President Trump gave the order to suspend some of the support that they're giving to other nations, including the military, he assured us that they will continue their support to the AFP,” he added.

For his part, Gen. Brown emphasized that the US “continues to partner closely with the Philippines and remains committed to maintaining a strong alliance founded upon shared strategic interests and democratic values.”

Meanwhile, Brawner assured that the AFP has sufficient resources and personnel to execute this year’s war games, which coincide with the 2025 midterm elections.

The military has also been tasked with providing security during the national and local polls.

“Our Balikatan will continue as scheduled despite the midterm elections. Because we can do it. We have enough forces that can participate in the Balikatan exercise and secure the elections this coming May,” Brawner stressed.