Zamboanga: The Philippine Army (PA) announced on Wednesday the initiation of two separate inter-agency territorial defense operations exercises (IA-TDOX) in the Zamboanga Peninsula and Sulu, aimed at strengthening the "whole-of-nation territorial" defense strategy.
According to Philippines News Agency, PA spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala stated that the 1st and 11th Infantry Divisions are leading these comprehensive drills. In the Zamboanga Peninsula, the 1st Infantry Division's 97th Infantry Battalion is playing a significant role, supported by the PA's artillery and armor units, along with personnel from the Philippine National Police, Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Fire, Maritime Police, CAFGU Active Auxiliary, and reservists.
The Zamboanga Peninsula exercise, known as the Kalasag-Zamboanga Peninsula Inter-Agency Territorial Defense Operation Exercise, is taking place in Dipolog City from August 10 to 20. The drills are designed to demonstrate the units' collective readiness and ability to coordinate responses effectively. The simulation exercise includes the activation of the incident command system, showcasing the rapid mobilization of personnel, crisis management, emergency assistance, and establishing command and control. Coastal defense operations along Dipolog City Boulevard and a mass-casualty evacuation drill are also part of the exercise, testing participants' skills in deploying troops and managing medical emergencies.
Meanwhile, in Sulu, the 11th Infantry Division's 1102nd Infantry Brigade is collaborating with local government offices, law enforcement, emergency responders, and health agencies during the IA-TDOX rehearsal in Barangay Tandu-Bato, Luuk, Sulu. This rehearsal, held on August 16, serves as a crucial preparation to validate the concepts, procedures, communication channels, and roles of participating agencies for the upcoming IA-TDOX scheduled from August 18 to 20, 2026.
Col. Dema-ala emphasized that these drills underscore the importance of a whole-of-nation approach to territorial defense and national resiliency. The exercises integrate the capabilities of the military, local government, law enforcement, health services, emergency responders, and other stakeholders in a coordinated framework to respond to any external threat.
