US, Philippines, Japan hold disaster-response drills

More than 2,000 US and Philippine military personnel, along with a small number of Japanese soldiers, on October 9 began annual combat exercises aimed at responding rapidly to crises and natural disasters and affirming their commitment to keep the region "free and open."
Hanoi(VNA) - More than 2,000 US and Philippine military personnel, along with asmall number of Japanese soldiers, on October 9 began annual combat exercises aimedat responding rapidly to crises and natural disasters and affirming theircommitment to keep the region "free and open."

The 10-day drills,which include amphibious assault and live-fire exercises, kicked off at SubicFreeport in the northwest of Manila. They will also include humanitarian workin six northern provinces of the Philippines.

US and Philippineofficials said the exercises aim to address terrorism, security andhumanitarian concerns during natural disasters./.
VNA

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