Burgos: The Philippine Army (PA) announced that its armor and artillery units effectively repelled a simulated enemy attack during a "littoral defense live fire exercise" in Burgos, Pangasinan on March 9. PA spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala stated that the drill is part of the ongoing "CATEX Katihan" exercise, which began on February 26 and is set to conclude later this month.

According to Philippines News Agency, the "CATEX" exercise, short for combined arms training exercise, involved the 701st Combined Arms Brigade utilizing armor and artillery assets. These included remote control weapons systems mounted on armored infantry fighting vehicles and 105mm towed howitzers. Furthermore, reservists deployed combat drones targeting strategic locations near the coastline of Burgos.

Currently, a total of 4,222 PA soldiers are participating in this unilateral exercise, with drills conducted at various training areas across Pangasinan and Ilocos Norte. The littoral defense drill is a key highlight of the third iteration of CATEX 'Katihan', which aims to test the Army's Land Defense Concept in support of external security operations.

PA Chief Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete attended the live fire drill and commended the troops for their performance. He concluded his visit by urging PA units to train rigorously to address the challenges posed by the evolving global and regional security landscape.