Kampong speu: The Philippine Army (PA) successfully concluded its three-week bilateral training exercise with the Royal Cambodian Army (RCA), as part of efforts to enhance defense relations between the two nations. In a statement on Monday, PA spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala announced that the drills were held at the Techno Sen Phnom Thom Mres Prov, Royal Cambodian Armed Forces Training Center.

According to Philippines News Agency, the closing ceremonies on Saturday were marked by remarks from PA chief Lt. Gen. Roy Galido, who emphasized the training's role in improving operational competencies and fostering mutual understanding between the two armies. "Through this joint training, the Philippines and Cambodia have taken meaningful steps toward deeper regional cooperation and enhanced interoperability-cornerstones of a stable and secure Southeast Asia," Galido stated.

Lt. Gen. Galido praised the RCA for their professionalism, discipline, and openness, highlighting the importance of ongoing military partnerships in strengthening ASEAN solidarity. The training sessions involved participants from the PA's Special Forces Regiment (Airborne) and the First Scout Ranger Regiment, who engaged in joint exercises with their Cambodian counterparts focusing on urban infantry operations and combat tracking.

Additionally, a combat engineer regiment team from the PA and their RCA counterparts conducted a subject matter expert exchange on collapsed structure search-and-rescue operations. Col. Dema-ala noted that this joint training is a key component of the PA's strategic approach to international defense cooperation, prioritizing engagements that promote meaningful collaboration and reinforce regional peace and stability.