MANILA, April 18 -- The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will join for the first time the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in the 39th annual Balikatan Exercise from April 22 to May 10.

In a statement on Thursday, PCG spokesperson Rear Admiral Armando Balilo said the PCG would be part of the joint interoperability exercises among the Philippines, Australia, France, and the United States.

"The (PCG) will deploy four 44-meter multi-role response vessels (MRRVs) and two larger patrol vessels that regularly conduct maritime security operations in the country's exclusive economic zones (EEZs)," Balilo said.

Members of the Coast Guard Special Operations Force will also join the Balikatan.

On Tuesday, Balikatan 2024 executive agent Col. Mic...