Manila, April 1 -- Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. on Tuesday said that this year's "Balikatan" exercise will feature a so-called "full battle test" where all military doctrines and procedures will be tested.

The AFP chief made this comment during his speech at the 38th founding anniversary of the Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom), based in Camp Servillano Aquino, Tarlac City.

"In a matter of days, we will be starting our 'Balikatan' exercises (with American military forces.) This is the 40th iteration of the 'Balikatan' exercises and most of the exercises will be conducted here in the area, the joint operational area of Nolcom," he said.

Nolcom covers Ilocos, Cordillera, Cagayan Regions and Central Luz...