The US and the Philippines will hold military drills next week, the biggest in three decades, injecting new life into their defense alliance, US officials announced on Tuesday. Nearly 9,000 soldiers from the two countries will take part in a 12-day war game exercise on the main island of Luzon. The exercise, which will start next Monday, will cover maritime security, live-fire training, counter-terrorism, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief.

Major General Jay Bargeron, commander of the US 3rd Marine Division, said the two sides will train together and share tactics, techniques, and procedures that will strengthen their response capabilities and readiness for real-world challenges.

Source: VOV5