Manila, April 10 -- Security preparations are in full swing as the city hosts a segment of this year's Balikatan exercise beginning mid-April with the Philippine Army (PA) and the United States Armed Forces.

Col. Rico Amaro, commander of the PA Task Group Tacloban, said Friday they have been working with other agencies to ensure safety and security during the military exercises in the city.

"We need to secure and ensure the safety not only of the participants but of everyone," Amaro told the Philippine News Agency.

Activities in the city will occur at the new tarmac area behind the new terminal building inside the Tacloban Airport complex. Personnel and equipment have been arriving since last week, although the formal opening of the ex...