ROUGH CUT (NO REPORTER NARRATION)
STORY: United States and Philippine forces conducted live firing exercises at a military camp in the northern province of Nueva Ecija during the sixth day of the annual the annual war games on Saturday (May 10).
The joint exercises "Balikatan" (shoulder-to-shoulder) tests the combat readiness of the two allies in responding to maritime threats, including piracy and humanitarian assistance and disaster response.
A platoon from the Philippines and the U.S. army engaged in marksmanship and assault drills, with soldiers manning armoured vehicles and firing turrets, machine guns and mortars at stationary targets scattered around a hill overlooking the military camp.
U.S. Army spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Dave Zinn said the exercises will help improve military capabilities between nations.
The annual joint exercises is the first under a new security pact with the United States, which improves the overall framework of the war