Even before the start of Balikatan at the end of April, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) already conducted “clearing operations” in civilian communities to prepare for the arrival of American troops. In Central Luzon, this covered farming communities in Aurora, Bulacan, and Nueva Ecija to make way for the Combined Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore (CJSLOTS) of the US held on April 9.

Residents in Aurora reported that two ships used for CJSLOTS were docked at Barangay Paltik, Dingalan since April 16. The AFP’s clearing operations, together with American soldiers, also continued from Barangay Umiray, Dingalan up to General Tiño in Nueva Ecija and Bulacan. They said they have stopped working for a month since being prohibited from going to their swidden farms and food gathering areas. The sudden entry of American soldiers into Sitio Singawan in Barangay Umiray also brought fear. In Bulacan, residents noticed the presence of Americans at Camp Tecson in the town of San Miguel.

The successive arrival of American vehicles and military equipment also brought disruption and anxiety to the residents of Casambalangan, Santa Ana in Cagayan. Their community was thrown in disarray, especially by the flights of attack helicopters. American troops used the town’s Port Irene to unload vehicles to be used in their amphibious exercises in May.

Fisherfolk are at risk of losing their livelihoods due to the declaration of a “no sail zone” in coastal towns, as what happened during Balikatan 2024. Likewise, aerial exercises will disrupt the livelihoods of farmers in the mountains and forests. These add to the 5th ID forces’ relentless clearing operations in the mountainous parts of the province. Aside from the disruption and destruction of livelihoods, the soldiers will bring intense fear and trauma, especially among women, children, and the elderly. The delivery of equipment and forces by air alone already fills the people of Cagayan with fear and anxiety, especially with the planned live fire exercises in the region.