The Ilocos Norte provincial government reminded local officials across 21 towns and two cities to take precautionary measures for this year’s Philippines-United States “Balikatan” exercise.
Provincial Board member and chairperson on peace and order Giancarlo Angelo Crisostomo noted that this year’s joint activities with the US military will be bigger, considering the expansion of coverage of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) to include four more Philippine military bases where US forces can operate on a temporary basis.
“For the safety of our constituents and to minimize hazards during the activities, there is a need for our 21 towns and two cities and the offices and agencies connected therein to possibly relocate affected fisherfolk and make way for the traffic condition,” he said.
Crisostomo also sponsored a resolution seeking the cooperation of all concerned local government units and other government line agencies in the preparations.
