'We couldn't fish for two days!' - Locals react as Philippine, US forces hold counter-landing drills in Ilocos Norte

"Philippine and United States forces conducted a high-intensity live-fire coastal defence drill in Ilocos Norte on Monday, highlighting improved military capabilities during the latest Balikatan exercises. "It affects the livelihood of fisherfolk like me because we we’re not able to go to fish for two days because of the exercises," Barangay Councilor Resty Dela Cruz said. "Now it's gobi fry fish season and in the past days, we harvested plenty,” he explained. Footage shows military hardware including M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) manoeuvring across the sandy terrain, UAVs being hit by surface-to-air missiles, targets being hit at sea and infantry units defending the beach. Another local said that the drills are 'scary'. "Based on my observations, the troops are well prepared, and they hit the designated targets and seem to master how to control and operate our assets. The new assets have the potential to neutralise enemies or designated targets," said Lieutenant Michael Dave Aquino. The drills formed part of the 41st Balikatan joint exercises, an annual military partnership between Manila and Washington aimed at strengthening regional defence readiness. This year's iteration focused heavily on counter-landing operations."

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