PBBM nixes ‘offensive actions’ from bases as Balikatan begins The Philippines will not allow “any offensive actions” from the bases it has opened to US troops, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Monday. The assurance comes as the Philippines and the United States kick off their biggest Balikatan military exercise today. More than 17,600 military personnel — 5,400 from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and 12,200 from the United States Forces — will be participating in the 38th Balikatan exercise scheduled from April 11 to 28 in various areas in Zambales, Aurora, Palawan, and Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija. They...