Quezon city: More than 8,000 soldiers from the Philippines, the United States, Australia, Japan, and New Zealand will join another iteration of the "Salaknib" drills that will start on April 6 and take place in northern and central Luzon for the next two weeks.

According to Philippines News Agency, Philippine Army (PA) spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala announced in a media briefing at Camp Aguinaldo that the troops will include forces from the US Army Pacific, Japan, New Zealand, and Australia. The contingent breakdown includes 4,500 for the PA, 3,000 for the US Army in the Pacific, 800 for the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, 100 for the Australian Army, and 46 for the New Zealand Army.

This marks the first participation of Japan and New Zealand in the "Salaknib" exercises. "The focus of the exercise 'Salaknib' would be maritime and territorial defense, humanitarian assistance and disaster response, amphibious and combined arms operations. All involved international armies will be in the activities," said Dema-ala.

Training will be conducted at Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija and other locations in central and northern Luzon, including Pangasinan and La Union. Dema-ala also confirmed the inclusion of live-fire exercises, though the specific capabilities will depend on the scenarios finalized during the exercises.

The term "Salaknib", meaning shield in Ilocano, reflects the historical alliance between the Philippines and the United States, dating back to World War II. The "Salaknib" drills commenced in 2016.