About 5,000 American and Filipino troops will hold joint ground, air and naval exercises next week on the main island of Luzon, Philippine military officials said on Wednesday. The Philippines, which is fighting protracted rebellions by communist and Muslim separatists, cements its close security alliance with the United States through regular war games, Reuters reported. "These exercises were designed to improve interoperability, increase readiness and continue professional relationships between the United States and Philippine armed forces," said Major Melquiades Ordiales, a military spokesman.
