US Army Pacific Command chief expresses concern on Sulu suicide bombing in meeting Philippine Army chief

September 10, 2019

United States Army Pacific Command acting commander Maj. Gen. Pete Johnson expressed concern on the recent suicide bombing in the country.

Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, Philippine Army spokesman, said Army Commanding General Macairog Alberto and Johnson “expressed their concern on the recent suicide bombings as well as the terrorism threat in the Philippines” during their bilateral meeting 11th Indo-Pacific Armies Chiefs (IPACC) Conference held in Bangkokon Monday.

“(It) reiterated its commitment to extend all the support that it can provide to help the Philippine Army in facing its current security threats,” he said.

Zagala said “the success of the army-to-army exercises between PA and US Army Pacific Command known as Salaknib held early this year was also discussed”.

“This opened the possible inclusion of a joint Airborne Operations Training and Exercise in the next iteration of Salaknib,” he said.

“Salaknib was first conducted in 2015. It was then a bilateral exercise. Now, the activity transformed into an army training exchange which aims to enhance the skill and competencies of the participants in counter-terrorist operations,” he added.

Zagala said “the IPACC is an annual event that brings together the army leaders across the Indo- Pacific region to address mutual interests and challenges. It aims to promote peace and stability in the region through ‘mutual understanding, dialogue, and friendship.’” Robina Asido/DMS