From left, Major General Francisco Lorenzo Jr., Philippine exercise director, Philippine military Chief General Romeo Brawner, U.S. Charge d’ Affaires, Ad interim Y. Robert Ewing, Philippine Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations J3 Major General Elmer Suderio and US Lieutenant General Christian Wortman, Commanding General I Marine Expeditionary Force, pose during the opening ceremonies of the joint military exercise dubbed “Balikatan” or “Shoulder to Shoulder”, Monday, April 20, 2026, at Camp Aguinaldo military headquarters in Quezon city, Philippines.