Hundreds of Philippine, U.S. and Australian guests were in attendance to witness the exercise Balikatan 2014 opening ceremony here May 5. This is the 30th iteration of Balikatan, an annual bilateral exercise which aims to increase interoperability and strengthen the Philippines-U.S. relationship. This year's exercise will include approximately 3,000 Philippine forces, 2,500 U.S. forces and 65 Australian forces. - Hundreds of Philippine, U.S. and Australian guests were in attendance to witness the exercise Balikatan 2014 opening ceremony here May 5. This is the 30th iteration of Balikatan, an annual bilateral exercise which aims to increase interoperability and strengthen the Philippines-U.S. relationship. This year's exercise will include approximately 3,000 Philippine forces, 2,500 U.S. forces and 65 Australian forces.