RP-US Balikatan exercises a peace-building tool for Mindanao
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Authors
Ramos, Eric C.
Subjects
Advisors
Croissant, Aurel
Malley, Michael
Date of Issue
2005-12
Date
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
This thesis explores how the Philippine-American security cooperation can contribute to building a sustainable peace in Mindanao by analyzing the proceedings and outcome of the 2002 RP-US Balikatan exercise at Basilan Island. Balikatan 02-1 was a counterterrorism cooperation wherein US military forces were deployed to the southern Philippines and provided training, equipment, and intelligence information assistance to the AFP in their combat operations against the Abu Sayyaf Group. Balikatan 02-1 successfully forced the ASG out of Basilan and this accomplishment facilitated humanitarian assistance and civic action projects that proved to be beneficial to the people of Basilan. Furthermore, Balikatan 02-1 helped restore a Ć¢ new sense of peace and securityĆ¢ in the province. In view of these outcomes, this thesis asks how future Balikatan exercises may be conducted in order to contribute to a sustainable peace in the southern Philippines. This thesis argues that the RP-US Balikatan exercise series can be a tool for peace-building in Mindanao by means of concentrating its activities in the southern Philippines, as well as focusing on stabilization and reconstruction operations.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Organization
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funder
Format
xviii, 102 p. : maps (some col.)
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.