MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Army and the United States Army Pacific (USARPAC) launched Salaknib and Balikatan Exercises 2025 (SABAK 2025) on Monday, kicking off a large-scale joint military drill aimed at enhancing interoperability and reinforcing bilateral defense cooperation.

The opening ceremony, held at Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija, was led by Army Vice Commander Maj. Gen. Leodevic B. Guinid, who emphasized the importance of the exercises in strengthening the Philippines’ territorial defense capabilities and improving joint operational readiness.

SABAK 2025 will be conducted in two phases, running from March 24 to July 20, 2025, across key training sites, including Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, and areas under the 5th and 7th Infantry Divisions. 

The exercise brings together 3,000 Philippine Army troops and 2,000 USARPAC personnel for a series of warfighting and security operations training.

The drills will focus on Combined/Joint All-Domain Operations, large-scale maneuver exercises, live-fire training, counter-intelligence, and humanitarian civil assistance. 

Troops will also enhance capabilities in command and control, force-on-force combat scenarios, and sustainment operations, reinforcing their preparedness for external security threats, it said.

The Philippine Army said SABAK 2025 underscores the country’s commitment to regional stability and defense cooperation with the U.S., ensuring both forces remain ready to respond to evolving security challenges.