US, Philippine Drills Planned Near Disputed Areas Officials say 6,800 U.S. and Filipino troops will hold annual combat exercises next month in a western province located near disputed South China Sea territories. Military spokesman Maj. Emmanuel Garcia said Wednesday the exercises aim to ensure that the longtime military allies can operate smoothly during emergencies and disasters. The military says the drills will include a mock exercise involving the retaking of an oil rig seized by terrorists. The U.S. Embassy says about 4,500 American military personnel and 2,300 Filipino counterparts will join the April 16-27 maneuvers. Tensions have grown in recent years in the area because of rival territorial claims by the Philippines, China and other Asian nations.