Camarines sur: The Philippine Army (PA) and its Australian Army counterparts have formally concluded the "Kasangga" 2026-1 drills, a nearly month-long joint military exercise aimed at enhancing the operational integration of the two forces. The closing ceremonies were held at Camp Elias Angeles, San Jose, Pili in Camarines Sur.
According to Philippines News Agency, PA vice commander Maj. Gen. Efren Morados, who was the guest-of-honor and speaker at the event, emphasized that the "Kasangga" drills met the regional objectives of the Philippines and Australia by demonstrating their capability to protect, deploy, sustain, and employ combat power across various domains. Maj. Gen. Morados remarked that the training was not only about improving individual and unit proficiency but also about strengthening the capacity to operate as an integrated force.
The "Kasangga" exercise, which commenced on May 25, involved approximately 300 PA soldiers from various units, including the 83rd Infantry Battalion, 9th Division Training School, 565th Engineer Construction Battalion, 9th Field Artillery Battalion, and 21st Cavalry Company. Meanwhile, 90 soldiers from the Australian Army participated in the drills. The training covered a wide range of activities, including intelligence operations, movement and maneuver, fire support, civil-military operations, sustainment, medical operations, jungle warfare, and force protection.
In a first, the Philippine Air Force and the Philippine Navy also participated in the exercise, adding their capabilities to the representation of the Armed Forces of the Philippines major service units. Col. Louie Dema-ala, Army spokesperson, stated that the drills reinforce the collective ability of the PA, along with local and international stakeholders, to deter aggression, respond to crises, and contribute to a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific Region.
The "Kasangga" drills have been conducted twice before, with the first iteration taking place in Isabela from May 15 to June 21, 2024, involving 100 PA soldiers and 50 from the Australian Army. The second iteration occurred in Camarines Sur from Oct. 14 to Nov. 8, 2024, with 266 PA troopers and 50 Australian soldiers taking part.
