SAN ANTONIO, Zambales: Fisherfolk group Pamalakaya has denounced the upcoming large-scale Balikatan (shoulder-to-shoulder) exercises between Philippine and United States forces, calling them “costly” and inappropriate as Filipinos continue to grapple with rising fuel prices and economic strain.
In a statement on Wednesday, the group said the annual joint military drills reflect a “misplaced agenda,” arguing that while households and local producers continue to struggle with an ongoing oil price crisis linked to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, government and military forces are preparing to spend heavily on fuel, ammunition, weapons and logistics for what is expected to be the year’s largest exercises.
“It is an insult that an extravagant and costly Balikatan exercise will be conducted between Filipino and American soldiers. At a time when fuel prices are soaring, funds and resources will instead be wasted on what they call a pointless military exercise,” said Fernando Hicap, Pamalakaya national chair.
The group also called for transparency on the actual costs of the exercises, saying public funds—particularly those tied to the Armed Forces of the Philippines modernisation programme—are being utilised.
It argued that government resources should instead be directed toward fuel support for farmers and fisherfolk, as well as boosting local food production through agricultural machinery and livelihood assistance.
“It is said that the government lacks funds for fuel subsidies for farmers and fisherfolk, yet there is funding for weapons, ammunition, missiles, and the operation of military vehicles,” Hicap added.
Pamalakaya also reiterated its concerns over the presence of US troops and facilities in the country, linking it to broader regional security tensions.
The annual Balikatan exercises, scheduled from April to May, will be held in several areas, including Zambales, Palawan, Cagayan, Tacloban, and Quezon, with coastal communities reportedly coordinating with the group over potential impacts of the drills. - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN
