According to Star, the US and the Philippines are scheduled to hold military exercises starting April 11

The Philippines and the US will begin their annual joint military exercises on April 11, the Philippine Star reported, citing a military spokesman for the Southeast Asian nation.

Representatives from Australia and Japan will also arrive to observe the drills, known locally as “Balikatan,” Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesman Medel Aguilar was quoted as saying by the newspaper.

This year’s Balikatan is set to be the country’s largest joint military exercise, with about 17,600 military personnel expected to take part in the drills, which will last until April 28, Philippine Star reported.