Manila: The annual joint military exercises between US and Philippine troops are due to start on May 8, and will focus on humanitarian as well as counterterrorism operations.

The Balikatan drills, named after a Filipino term for cooperation, have been taking place since the 1970s.

The drills were paused in 1993 after the Philippines abrogated a status of forces accord that provides legal safeguards for American troops in the country.

In 1999, the Philippines Senate approved the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), which paved the way for the resumption of the joint military drills.

The United States Embassy announced on Monday that the drills — the biggest of several military exercises held annually between the two allies — would be held in various locations in the main islands of Luzon and the Visayas.

“The Government of the Philippines has invited US forces to train alongside the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in the 33rd iteration of Balikatan, May 8 to 19, at multiple locations in Luzon and the Visayas region,” a statement issued on April 24 by the US Embassy in Manila said.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte had initially said that he would put a stop to the joint drills while saying the drills only inflame anti-American sentiments in the country.

However, he later said he would allow the joint readiness manoeuvres provided the exercises would be focused on improving both country’s capabilities to respond to disasters and terrorism.

Previous drills were held in Western Philippines’ Palawan and the northern part of the country, as well as in Sulu and Basilan.

“Philippine and US forces will kick off Exercise Balikatan 33-2017 through community engagement activities in Panay, Leyte, and Samar,” the statement said.

Aside from this, the civic aspects of the exercises will also continue.

Civic activities included in the exercise this year, renovating five schools and conducting community medical engagements with local residents in the opening days of the 12-day military training exercise.

“This year’s exercise will have AFP and US forces partnering to improve their counterterrorism capabilities in order to build safer communities and work towards the eradication of global terror networks,” the statement said.

Operational and counterterrorism training exercises in diverse areas of expertise, including live fire advanced marksmanship, counter improvised explosive devices (IED), maritime interdiction, and amphibious raids, would be conducted during the exercises.

Aside from the Philippines and US, forces from Australia and Japan will also take part in the drills.