Philippine, US troops hold amphibious drill

Philippine and US marines conducted an amphibious operation at the shores of Zambales province in northern Philippines on Friday.

The amphibious operation, or "boat raid", was participated in by more than 80 members of the Philippine Navy and around 40 US Marines. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said it is the first of the series of field training exercises scheduled for this year's bilateral drills under the Balikatan.

Lieutenant Annaleah P. Cazcarro of the Philippine Navy, spokesman of the Philippine-US Balikatan 2014, said the Philippine Navy's BRP Ramon Alcaraz and BRP Dagupan were used for the exercise.

The Philippines and the United States formally began the annual joint military exercises dubbed as Balikatan on May 5.

The 30th annual joint military drill, which will be held until May 16, involves 3,000 Filipino soldiers and 2,500 American soldiers.