Dennis Gaviola

Article (news)

Reuters Wires

Philippine and U.S. troops on Monday (April 27) held counter-landing live-fire exercises on the island of Palawan, facing the South China Sea as part of their annual joint drills.Troops simulated defending the island from a mock invasion, firing various weapons, including missiles from the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), at targets near the shoreline.The annual joint “Balikatan,” or “Shoulder to Shoulder,” exercises, which run from April 20 to May 8, are the largest yet in terms of participating countries. Australia is once again taking part, while Canada, France, New Zealand and Japan are joining as active participants for the first time, highlighting Manila’s expanding network of security partnerships.More than 17,000 troops are involved, including around 10,000 from defense treaty ally the United States, even as Washington remains heavily engaged in the Middle East.China has repeatedly criticized the Philippines for conducting defense exercises with its allies, saying such drills risk raising regional tensions.

Philippine and U.S. troops on Monday (April 27) held counter-landing live-fire exercises on the island of Palawan, facing the South China Sea as part of their annual joint drills.

Philippine and U.S. troops on Monday (April 27) held counter-landing live-fire exercises on the island of Palawan, facing the South China Sea as part of their annual joint drills.

Philippines, US hold counter-landing exercises in annual joint military drills

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

BINI

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

Nation

Philippines, US hold counter-landing exercises in annual joint military drills

Reuters

Published April 27, 2026 11:47 PM PHT

Read More:

Balikatan

US

Philippines

military

army

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

Sign Up

I have read and agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy.

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.