MANILA, April 22 -- The three-week annual Exercise "Balikatan" between Filipino and American troops officially opened on Monday, with 16,000 soldiers representing the "essence of unity, collective responsibility and enduring partnership between the Republic of the Philippines and the United States of America and other partners."

Speaking at the opening rites in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said the 39th installment of the annual drills is not a partnership of convenience but a "clear reflection of our shared history, unwavering commitment to democracy and respect for international law in our pursuit of peace and security in the Indo-Pacific Region."

He said the "Balikata...