The Philippine Army launched the Salaknib and Balikatan Exercises 2025, or SABAK 2025 Joint Exercise, with a formal opening ceremony led by Army Vice Commander Maj. Gen. Leodevic B. Guinid at Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija, on March 24, 2025.
SABAK 2025 brings together the Philippine Army and U.S. Army Pacific (USARPAC) forces in an extensive joint military exercise across key locations in the Philippines.
Designed as a continuous operation, the exercise focuses on improving Combined/Joint All-Domain Operations, strengthening warfighting capabilities, and reaffirming the strong bilateral commitment to safeguarding the Philippines’ territorial integrity.
The exercise also includes critical training in Humanitarian Civil Assistance, Information Operations, Counter-Intelligence, and Protection to enhance defense readiness.
Key operational training will cover Command and Control, Combined Arms Force-on-Force engagements, Large-Scale Operational Maneuvers, Combined Arms Live Fire Exercises, and Sustainment Operations in support of External Security Operations.
Exercise Salaknib, a major component of Exercise Balikatan, includes approximately 3,000 Philippine Army troops and 2,000 USARPAC personnel participating in Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEE) and warfighting drills.
Phase 1 of the exercise runs from March 24 to April 11, 2025, while Phase 2 is scheduled from May 19 to July 20, 2025, taking place at Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, and within the Areas of Responsibility (AOR) of the 5th Infantry Division (5ID) and 7th Infantry Division (7ID).
The Philippine Army continues to enhance its capabilities through strategic partnerships, reinforcing its readiness to address emerging threats and fulfill its vital role in national land defense as part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ broader external security mission.