Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Lieutenant General Oscar Lactao speaks to the media during the opening ceremony of the Balikatan Exercises between the Philippines and the United States in Quezon City, the Philippines, May 8, 2017. Troops from Australia and Japan will participate in the annual joint exercises between U.S. and Philippine militaries that will officially kick off on Monday, a Philippine military spokesman said on Sunday. 2,600 U.S. troops and 2,800 Philippine troops will participate in this year's drills, adding that 80 soldiers from Australia and 20 from Japan will also participate in the exercises. (Xinhua/Rouelle Umali)
