26 February 2004 – Foreign Affairs Secretary Delia Domingo Albert today confirmed that none of the exercises to be conducted under Balikatan 2004 will be held in the contested areas in the Spratlys island groups, nor are the exercises related to the issue of the South China Sea.

“We remain committed to a peaceful and meaningful solution to the South China Sea. We spearheaded the adoption of a regional code of conduct that establishes a working framework, which creates a positive atmosphere for a peaceful solution.  We intend to remain within that framework.  We will not resort to
anything that will negate the intent and the spirit of our own initiative,” Secretary Albert said.

Secretary Albert said that Balikatan 2004 will be conducted in three simultaneous phases consisting of seminars, field training exercises, and humanitarian and civic assistance.

“Phases one and three will be conducted in the City of Puerto Princesa, Palawan. Phase three will also be conducted in Basco, Batanes where AFP and US personnel will conduct medical, dental, veterinary and civic engineering action projects. Phase two will be conducted in training areas in Central Luzon, including Clark
Air Base in Pampanga, Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija, and Marine Base Ternate in Cavite,” the Secretary said.

She said that these exercises are designed to improve combined planning, combat readiness and interoperability of Philippine and US Armed Forces and that they are not aimed at any specific external threat.

The Secretary also said that the Commission on the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFACOM), which she heads will closely monitor the exercises and work with the local governments to ensure that the exercises do not have any adverse effects on their communities.

The opening of the Balikatan 2004 exercises was held Monday, 23 February at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City. - END