MANILA, April 9 -- Jet fighter units from the Philippines and the United States on Monday started the first iteration of the Cope Thunder-Philippines (CT PH 24-1) for this year at the Basa Air Base, Floridablanca, Pampanga.

"This bilateral military exercise, taking place in the Northern Luzon Intensive Military Training Area, Basa Air Base, and Brigadier General Benito N. Ebuen Air Base until April 19, involves approximately 700 airmen from various PAF (Philippine Air Force) Units and USAF (United States Air Force)," Air Force spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo said in a statement.

PAF FA-50PH fighter jets, and the USAF F-16s and C-130J aircraft will be utilized in this exercise, she added.

Castillo said CT PH 24-1 will focus on s...